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Curved Concrete Forms and Natural Light Integration in Senior Living Environments

Authors:
Rafael Alejandro Jiménez Peña, Johanna Soto Agosto
Curved Concrete Forms and Natural Light Integration in Senior Living Environments

Project in-detail

Curved concrete structures complemented by abundant natural light create an inviting atmosphere that fosters community interaction in a residential environment designed for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved concrete forms seamlessly integrate with the landscape, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
02
Natural light is optimized through expansive windows strategically placed in communal areas.
03
Flexible living spaces adapt to various resident needs, promoting personalized comfort.
04
Community gardens are incorporated to encourage outdoor activity and social interaction.
05
Accessibility features, such as ramps and wide corridors, ensure ease of movement for all residents.

## Senior Unity Housing Overview
Located in Guánica, Puerto Rico, the Senior Unity Housing project is designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. It integrates innovative spatial configurations and material choices to foster a supportive living environment that encourages community interaction while ensuring individual comfort. The design takes into account the region's topography and climate, aiming to enhance residents’ quality of life through thoughtful architectural principles.

## Spatial Composition
The project features a diverse arrangement of living options, including individual rooms, family suites, and communal areas, allowing residents to choose adaptively based on their personal relationships and social preferences. The layout includes distinct zones to maximize functionality and comfort. Individual rooms provide private living spaces, while family rooms accommodate couples and small groups. Administrative and support facilities such as a library, health clinic, and lobby are centrally located for easy access. The spatial strategy employs circular forms for communal spaces, fostering interaction, while rectilinear elements connect various functional areas to facilitate an organic flow throughout the building.

## Material Selection
The material palette for Senior Unity Housing emphasizes durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Primary materials include concrete for structural integrity, expansive glass for natural light and views, and wood for interior elements, which add warmth and enhance user experience. Landscaping components feature local flora and decorative materials that blend with the natural environment, promoting biodiversity and environmental harmony. Each material choice supports energy efficiency and integrates the building within its setting, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility.

The design also incorporates well-defined outdoor spaces, including gardens and active zones, which cater to socialization, relaxation, and wellness activities for residents. Accessibility measures such as ramps and elevators are strategically placed to ensure ease of movement throughout the facility. The nuanced integration of these architectural elements ultimately creates a nurturing environment tailored to the unique needs of senior residents.

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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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