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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.

### Overview

The community living project is located in a tranquil setting designed specifically for the elderly population. It aims to enhance social interaction, independence, and connectivity among residents, reflecting the philosophy that community cohesion is vital to improving quality of life for seniors. The architectural approach incorporates modular living units linked by outdoor pathways, emphasizing both navigation and social engagement while addressing the isolation often faced by older adults.

### Spatial Configuration and Social Integration

The design prioritizes a balance between private and communal spaces, fostering a harmonious lifestyle. The arrangement of modular units encourages interaction among residents, facilitating a supportive community. Key features include multi-functional social areas—such as dining rooms and relaxation zones—that serve as gathering points, while private units are crafted to provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Additionally, communal gardens are integrated within the layout, promoting therapeutic gardening practices and encouraging physical activity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices in the project reflect a commitment to both functionality and aesthetic significance. The use of concrete ensures structural integrity, while wood finishes add warmth and a homelike atmosphere. Generous use of glass promotes transparency and visual connection to the outdoors, and metal elements provide shading and privacy. These materials not only serve practical purposes but also align with an overarching design ethos that emphasizes community, comfort, and sustainability. The inclusion of gardens and sustainable pathways underlines an environmentally conscious approach, integrating green philosophy into the living experience.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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