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Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community

Authors:
Giulia Grifoni, Francesco Ligabue
Curved Facades of Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light in a Senior Housing Community

Project in-detail

Curved facades clad in charred wood shingles enhance natural light while fostering community interaction in a thoughtfully designed senior housing complex.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved facades integrate natural light while providing aesthetic continuity with the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and maintenance while offering a distinctive visual appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Community spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction and accessibility among residents.
05
The design features a bent A-frame roof, facilitating unique spatial experiences and optimizing views.
The project "WAVE" is an architectural endeavor located in Liège, Belgium, designed specifically to cater to the needs of its elderly community. The building integrates living accommodations with shared communal spaces, facilitating interaction and a supportive living environment. By emphasizing accessibility and functionality, the project addresses the unique requirements of seniors while also contributing positively to its urban context.

The design embodies a fluid architectural language, inspired by the nearby Meuse River. Its roof form, reminiscent of waves, signifies connection to the natural landscape and promotes an aesthetic continuity with the water. This project serves not only as a residence but also as a community hub, where various activities take place, fostering social engagement among diverse age groups.

Innovative Community Engagement
"WAVE" distinguishes itself through its strong focus on community bonding. Unlike typical residential buildings, it includes multiple shared facilities such as communal kitchens, exercise areas, and activity rooms. These spaces are designed to encourage residents to gather, interact, and participate in group activities, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, the thoughtful arrangement of apartments around central communal areas enhances accessibility and visibility, promoting active engagement among residents.

Sustainable Design Elements
The architectural design considers environmental and sustainability factors. The arrangement and orientation of the building optimize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Furthermore, large windows ensure that interiors remain bright and welcoming, while also providing views of the natural surroundings. The potential integration of sustainable technologies, like rainwater harvesting, underscores a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, aligning with current ecological considerations in architecture.

This architectural project showcases a blend of communal living and thoughtful design that addresses specific user needs. The innovative configuration of spaces and strategic material choices contribute significantly to its overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. For a deeper understanding of the project’s architectural nuances, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, explore the full presentation available.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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