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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete Define a Community-Centric Residence for the Elderly

Author:
Simão Jorge
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete Define a Community-Centric Residence for the Elderly

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled concrete, the design fosters a sustainable living environment that encourages community interaction for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates recycled concrete to reduce environmental impact during construction.
03
Features modular design to facilitate flexible living arrangements for residents.
04
Emphasizes large windows to optimize natural light and connect with nature.
05
Includes landscaped communal gardens designed for intergenerational interaction.

### Project Overview

**Oldly Brightened**, located in Gdańsk, Poland, redefines the concept of retirement living by creating spaces that promote social interaction and integrate with the surrounding natural environment. The intent is to address the challenges of an aging population in Poland by reimagining retirement homes as vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for residents. This design focuses on fostering connections among individuals while prioritizing their well-being and comfort.

### Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates a modular assembly that allows for both adaptable living arrangements and interconnected community spaces. Centralized common areas feature gardens designed to encourage resident interaction, thereby strengthening communal ties. The two-story structure promotes a human scale, ensuring accessibility and comfort, while the interior layout is strategically planned to enhance interactions among residents. Living quarters and dining areas are conveniently located to provide a sense of privacy within a larger community context.

### Sustainable Materiality

The project employs a range of sustainable materials aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. Concrete made with recycled aggregates serves as the structural backbone, while recycled plastic tiles are used for exterior finishes. Wood is prominently featured in framing and interior elements for warmth, and natural stone is utilized for flooring, contributing to the sensory experience of communal areas. Biomass materials are integrated to enhance insulation and sustainability. This thoughtful selection of materials not only emphasizes environmental responsibility but also creates inviting, aesthetically pleasing spaces for residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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