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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Concrete Serenity in Elevated Elderly Living

Author:
Dario Romano
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping Concrete Serenity in Elevated Elderly Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades define a serene structure elevated within a natural landscape, creating a tranquil residence tailored for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainable sourcing.
03
The building's bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Expansive glass façades maximize natural light and connect residents with the surrounding landscape.
05
Integrated communal gardens promote social interaction and wellness among residents.

## Project Overview

Located in an elevated landscape, the Blessing of Life residence is designed as an elderly facility that prioritizes contemplation, tranquility, and a connection to the surrounding environment. The intent is to create a nurturing space where residents can reflect and find peace amidst nature. The architectural approach emphasizes functional design while fostering a sense of serenity and belonging.

## Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The design incorporates two intersecting volumes, with one dedicated to essential functional areas and the other serving as a retreat space. This spatial strategy is deliberate, balancing communal interactions with private moments of solitude. The building consists of three levels, ensuring accessibility while maintaining privacy. The lower section houses staff quarters and essential services, firmly anchored to the landscape, while the upper residential areas are designed to evoke lightness, enhancing the overall sense of peace.

## Material Characteristics and Sustainability

The materials selected for the project reflect both solidity and lightness, enhancing the connection between the building and its site. Stone is used in the base of the structure to symbolize permanence, while concrete serves as a durable and contemporary finishing touch. Glass encompasses the upper levels, allowing for abundant natural light and unobstructed views. Wood details introduce warmth, contributing to an inviting atmosphere.

Sustainability is a key consideration in the architectural approach. The building is positioned to optimize natural light and ventilation, minimizing energy use. The design footprint occupies only 50% of the site area, preserving natural landscapes and facilitating local biodiversity. Common areas, including a central patio and garden, are designed to encourage social interaction, while room layouts offer flexibility for both singles and couples.

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

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Competition organisers

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
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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