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Cross-Laminated Timber Residence Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles With Integrated Community Spaces

Author:
Martyna Apczyńska
Cross-Laminated Timber Residence Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles With Integrated Community Spaces

Project in-detail

With cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design creates a cohesive living environment that emphasizes communal interaction and flexibility for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels form the structural core, enhancing durability and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide not only aesthetic appeal but also increased weather resistance.
03
The design features a bent A-frame that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
04
Flexible floor plans allow for easy adaptation to the residents' changing needs over time.
05
Integrated communal spaces encourage social interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
Grannskapet is an architectural design project focused on creating a community-oriented living environment for elderly residents. The design aims to foster social interaction while allowing for personal autonomy, addressing the common challenges of loneliness and disconnection faced by seniors. The project integrates various living units with communal spaces such as a community center, shops, and recreational facilities. This holistic approach emphasizes both individual needs and collective well-being.

The architectural layout is characterized by flexible modular units designed to accommodate varying living arrangements, from single occupants to couples and small families. The residences are interconnected by pedestrian-friendly pathways, which encourage outdoor activities and social engagement among residents. Common areas are strategically placed to promote interaction without compromising the privacy of individual living spaces.

Unique Design Approaches

A key feature of Grannskapet is its emphasis on adaptability. Each living unit is engineered to allow modifications in floor plans, ensuring that the design can evolve with the changing needs of its residents. This aspect is particularly relevant in addressing mobility challenges that may arise over time. The project employs sustainable materials, such as cross-laminated timber for structural walls and wooden beams that align with Scandinavian design principles. Large windows enhance natural light and maintain a connection to the outdoors, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the residents.

Sustainability also plays a crucial role in the architectural design. The inclusion of solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainable insulation materials reinforces the project's commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The integration of these elements not only supports ecological goals but also contributes to reduced operating costs for the residents.

Community Integration and Facilities

Grannskapet features a variety of communal facilities that enhance residents' quality of life. The community center includes recreational spaces such as a gym and swimming pool, designed to encourage active lifestyles and social interaction. Shops and restaurants located within the neighborhood promote convenience and foster a sense of community. The spatial arrangement of these facilities is intended to create an inviting atmosphere where residents can easily access social activities and support services.

The architectural design of Grannskapet exemplifies an innovative approach to senior living, with careful consideration for adaptability, sustainability, and community engagement. By prioritizing these elements, the project stands out in a landscape often dominated by conventional senior housing models.

Readers interested in the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas of Grannskapet are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive view of its features and functional benefits. This analysis serves as a starting point for understanding the design intentions and outcomes inherent in this thoughtful architectural project.
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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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