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Charred Wooden Shingles Create Inviting Harmony in Modular Senior Living Spaces

Author:
Oleg Buza
Charred Wooden Shingles Create Inviting Harmony in Modular Senior Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and large glass openings, the design fosters a strong connection between private living units and communal gardens, creating an accessible and engaging environment for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
The design includes communal gardens that residents can actively tend to, promoting engagement.
03
Large glass openings optimize natural light and enhance connectivity with outdoor spaces.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed to create a sustainable structural system.
05
The layout prioritizes accessibility, featuring wide pathways and mobility aids throughout.
This architectural project is designed as a community living space specifically for the elderly demographic. Located in a tranquil setting, the design emphasizes a balance between privacy and social interaction. The layout consists of modular housing units interconnected by pathways that encourage movement and community engagement.

The project represents a response to the growing need for environments that foster social connectivity among seniors while addressing their desire for independence. The functionality of the project integrates living quarters with communal areas such as shared dining rooms, multi-purpose gathering spaces, and landscaped gardens, all of which support various activities conducive to a vibrant community lifestyle.

Architectural Design Elements

The architectural design incorporates several key features that set it apart from conventional senior living facilities. The unique approach includes the integration of communal gardens adjacent to individual living units, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also promote residents' physical and mental well-being through gardening activities.

Attention to accessibility is paramount; all pathways are designed to accommodate mobility aids, ensuring ease of movement across the site. This inclusivity is further supported by the use of large windows and sliding doors, which optimize natural light throughout the living spaces, reinforcing the connection to nature and the outdoors.

Material Selection and Sustainability

The materials used in this project were carefully selected for their durability, aesthetic qualities, and sustainability. Concrete serves as the main structural element, providing stability. Wood is utilized extensively in finishes, bringing warmth and a residential feel to the interiors. Glass features prominently in the design, allowing for maximized daylight and transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainability measures are integrated into the overall project design. Community-oriented gardens encourage ecological engagement, while constructed pathways reduce environmental footprints. The project also aims to minimize the use of non-renewable resources, aligning the architecture with contemporary sustainability practices.

For those interested in examining this project further, we encourage you to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs featured in the full presentation. The unique architectural ideas and thoughtful considerations incorporated into this project illustrate a significant advancement in community living solutions for the elderly.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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