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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Create Community-Focused Living for Seniors

Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles Create Community-Focused Living for Seniors

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, the design transforms traditional senior living into a community-focused environment that prioritizes accessibility and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, allowing for unique spatial dynamics and natural light penetration.
04
Integrates accessible pathways and communal gardens specifically designed for senior mobility needs.
05
Includes multifunctional communal spaces to promote social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

This architectural design project is situated in a context that prioritizes the needs of senior citizens, particularly those living with Alzheimer’s disease. The intention is to foster community, accessibility, and engagement, addressing the issues of isolation that are common within this demographic. The design draws inspiration from the 'Bielefeld model,' promoting the concept of “Alzheimer villages” to create a living environment that encourages interaction and independence among residents.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout of the project consists of three interconnected buildings housing 34 apartments, including 20 that are handicap accessible and 4 specifically designed for wheelchair use. The buildings are organized to encourage community interaction, with a central area that features essential services such as a grocery shop and a café. Courtyards and green spaces are strategically positioned between the buildings to enhance the outdoor experience and facilitate social engagement, particularly for residents with mobility challenges.

## Material Utilization and Architectural Intent

The architectural language emphasizes simplicity and functionality, utilizing a material palette that includes engineered timber for warmth and aesthetic appeal, as well as glass for expansive window spaces that maximize natural light. Concrete is employed in flooring and foundation elements to ensure durability, while steel is utilized for structural support, particularly in balconies and communal areas. Each apartment features a private balcony to promote individual outdoor space while maintaining connections to communal areas below. This design strategy not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also supports a sustainable approach in both form and function.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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