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Charred Wooden Shingles and Pet-Friendly Spaces Enrich A Sustainable Living Environment

Author:
Chengzhi Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Pet-Friendly Spaces Enrich A Sustainable Living Environment

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and open communal gardens, the design fosters a pet-friendly environment that enhances the well-being of elderly residents in a sustainable residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance and aesthetics.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Incorporates pet care facilities within the living space to promote animal companionship.
04
Includes communal gardens designed for both residents and their pets to engage with nature.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the facility.
The Pet Companion Home is an innovative architectural project designed to create a supportive living environment for elderly residents and their pets. Located in Portugal, this facility bridges the connection between elderly care and animal companionship, recognizing the positive impact pets can have on well-being. The design promotes not only the emotional health of residents but also fosters social interaction, community engagement, and a deeper connection with nature.

Unique Functional Aspects

This project introduces a distinct layout that accommodates both human and animal needs. Each resident’s room is designed to be pet-friendly, featuring thoughtful elements such as adequate space for pet beds and private outdoor access. The incorporation of a central pet care facility allows for shared resources dedicated to the needs of both residents and their pets, including grooming and veterinary services.

Common areas are strategically positioned throughout the building to encourage interaction among residents and their animals. These spaces are designed with multi-functional purposes in mind, fostering a sense of community through organized activities while allowing flexibility for quiet moments of reflection. Outdoor gardens and activity zones cater to the physical well-being of residents and provide safe areas for pets to exercise and socialize.

Design Approaches and Innovations

What sets the Pet Companion Home apart from traditional nursing facilities is its emphasis on integrating pets into the everyday lives of residents. This project incorporates incremental relationship-building spaces, utilizing architectural elements that enhance both privacy and community.

The use of sustainable materials is also a core characteristic of the design. The building features a combination of concrete, glass, and wood, all chosen for their durability and environmental performance. A significant focus on natural light enhances the ambiance of the interior spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while promoting a sense of openness.

Unique to this design is the outdoor integration with the surrounding landscape. Strategic landscaping creates seamless transitions between indoor spaces and the outdoors, enriching residents’ experiences and maximizing engagement with nature. This architectural approach acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of green spaces for mental and physical health, making resident interactions with their environment both enjoyable and restorative.

For readers interested in the architectural details of the Pet Companion Home, exploring the project presentation will provide additional insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this distinctive living environment. Each element of the project has been carefully considered to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space, illustrating a progressive vision for elder care within the context of companionship and well-being.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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