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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrated with Natural Landscaping for Elderly Living Environment

Author:
John Tucker
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrated with Natural Landscaping for Elderly Living Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber panels and landscaped gardens, this design creates a sustainable and community-focused living environment for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to enhance sustainability.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
03
Features an open layout promoting interaction among residents.
04
Strategically positioned to blend with the natural hillside topology.
05
Integrates large windows to maximize natural light throughout common areas.

### Project Overview

The Portugal Elderly Home is situated in a natural landscape that aims to create a supportive living environment for elderly residents while fostering connections with the surrounding community. The design prioritizes the integration of natural elements, accessibility, and sustainability, addressing both the practical and emotional needs of inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The layout includes various communal areas, such as large dining and activity spaces strategically positioned to encourage social interaction among residents. Private living units are designed to provide comfort and independence, supporting the autonomy of the residents within a community-driven context. Outdoor spaces are configured with accessible paths and landscaped gardens, enhancing the interaction between the built environment and nature. These features aim to reduce feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging among residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

The architecture utilizes a combination of sustainable materials that reinforce both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability while allowing for flexible design. Timber is integrated into interior finishes, offering warmth and comfort through its renewable properties. Extensive use of glass invites natural light and connects the indoor spaces with the outdoors, while stone is employed in landscaping to support a naturalistic ambiance. Sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting, are incorporated to minimize the environmental impact and ensure resource efficiency, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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