Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curvilinear Forms Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Senior Living

Authors:
Tulay KarakaŞ, Ebru Çelebİ, Ayse Ebru Atici, Burcu Nimet Dumlu
Curvilinear Forms Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Senior Living

Project in-detail

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.

The architectural design project of 3E Senior Housing represents a modern approach to residential facilities aimed at enhancing the well-being of older adults. Situated in a metropolitan area on the West Coast of the USA, the project combines thoughtful architecture with principles derived from neuroscience. The facility prioritizes enriched living, embodied experiences, and engagement, creating an environment conducive to healthy aging.

Each area of the design has been meticulously planned to foster interactions among residents while ensuring access to essential amenities. Central to the project are various communal hubs connected by curvilinear pathways, which facilitate movement and navigation, reducing the barriers often present in traditional senior living complexes.

Spatial Organization and Design Elements

The unique aspect of the 3E Senior Housing project lies in its intentional spatial organization. Unlike conventional linear layouts, this project features radial arrangements that enhance social connectivity among residents. The design integrates public, semi-public, and private spaces, thus catering to diverse interaction levels. Key communal spaces include therapeutic gardens and gathering areas strategically located around a central courtyard, promoting a sense of community while offering tranquil retreats.

The use of curvilinear forms throughout the design not only contributes aesthetically but also symbolizes flow and movement. This approach contrasts with traditional boxy structures, allowing for more inviting and approachable atmospheres. Natural light is prioritized through the use of expansive glazing, which fosters a connection to the outdoors and promotes mental well-being.

Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural materiality of the project is carefully chosen to support both functional and aesthetic goals. Concrete provides structural strength; wood infuses warmth and character; glass invites natural light; and steel delivers modernity. The integration of natural stone elements enhances the connection between the facility and its surrounding landscape.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the 3E Senior Housing project. Incorporating energy-efficient strategies such as photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems underlines a commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, the design emphasizes natural ventilation and thermal comfort, ensuring that the interior spaces are both pleasant and energy-efficient.

Overall, the unique design approaches found in the 3E Senior Housing project provide essential insights into modern architectural thinking around senior living. By focusing on enriched living environments and community connectivity, this project sets itself apart from typical senior housing developments. For a deeper understanding of its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, exploring the detailed project presentation is highly encouraged.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

`

The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy