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Curvilinear Forms Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Senior Living

Curvilinear Forms Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Senior Living
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Curvilinear forms adorned with charred wooden shingles create an inviting and sustainable environment tailored for senior living, promoting well-being and social interaction through strategically designed communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear pathways enhance movement and social interaction among residents.
02
Therapeutic gardens designed for sensory engagement are integrated throughout the site.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles for aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
04
Central public areas connect diverse communal spaces promoting community engagement.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both sustainability and structural integrity.

### Overview
Located in a metropolitan area on the West Coast of the United States, the 3E Senior Housing project integrates architectural design with principles rooted in neuroscience to support healthy aging. The design aims to enhance the living experiences of older adults by fostering an environment that promotes mental well-being and social interaction while ensuring physical safety and comfort.

### Spatial Organization and Circulation
The project features a distinctive curvilinear layout that diverges from traditional rectilinear forms, enhancing the flow of movement and interaction among residents. The design includes a central public area from which three main hubs radiate, facilitating a non-linear circulation pathway that encourages exploration and connectivity. Spaces are strategically organized into public, semi-public, and private areas, each allowing for varying levels of interaction. Key communal amenities, such as a therapeutic garden and social spaces, are thoughtfully integrated to nurture social bonds while providing necessary privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is carefully chosen to align with the project’s goals of comfort and environmental consciousness. Concrete and steel provide structural durability, while wood contributes warmth and a connection to nature. Glass elements maximize natural light, enhancing openness within the interiors. Natural stone complements the landscape, fostering a tactile relationship with the surroundings. Energy-efficient design strategies include the use of photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability throughout the facility.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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