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Charred Wooden Shingles and Venetian Brick Creating Community Focused Elderly Housing

Authors:
Davide Scaramuzza, Hanzhe Shen, Xinyue Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Venetian Brick Creating Community Focused Elderly Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced Venetian brick, the design fosters a cohesive community space that prioritizes social interaction and accessibility for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes multiple shared courtyards to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Strategically oriented to provide optimal views of the surrounding Venetian landscape.
The architectural project "A Gaze to Involve" is designed as a housing facility for the elderly in Venice, Italy. This project reflects a response to the rising demand for senior living spaces that are not only functional but also promote social interaction and community engagement. The focus is on creating an environment that facilitates ease of movement while promoting a sense of belonging among residents within the unique socio-cultural context of Venice.

Design and Functionality

The project features a carefully organized spatial arrangement that includes various communal areas and private units tailored to accommodate different living preferences. Essential components of the design include:
- Open courtyards that serve as gathering spaces, inviting residents to interact and engage with one another.
- Mixed-use areas designed for activities such as dining, recreation, and therapy, ensuring accessibility and offering residents diverse experiences within the facility.
- Housing units that vary in size and configuration, catering to both individual and shared living needs.

Unique Design Approaches

This project stands out through its commitment to integrating sustainable practices within the architectural framework. Key design approaches include:
- The use of locally sourced materials, such as Venetian bricks, aligning the new structure with the historical context while ensuring durability and relevance to local architectural traditions.
- Extensive use of glass panels to enhance natural light and visual connections with the exterior environment, mitigating feelings of confinement often associated with institutional settings.
- The incorporation of green technologies including solar panels and natural ventilation systems, aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental sustainability.

Community Interaction

The emphasis on community is evident in the design's layout, which encourages social interaction through well-placed shared spaces. The strategic orientation and thoughtful volume manipulation allow for sightlines to the surrounding canals and urban spaces, fostering a connection between residents and the vibrancy of Venice. This design strategy is tailored to combat isolation, particularly important for an elderly demographic that may face mobility challenges.

The architectural project "A Gaze to Involve" exemplifies an innovative approach to elderly housing that balances functional needs with a commitment to community and sustainability. Readers interested in exploring the finer details of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas should view the full project presentation to gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact and execution.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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