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A Tranquil Setting for Aging and Community

Author:
Veronika Bauer
A Tranquil Setting for Aging and Community

Project in-detail

Situated within an urban context, the design focuses on creating supportive environments for individuals in the later stages of life. The approach balances communal areas with private spaces to address diverse needs during end-of-life transitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances weather resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels reduces material waste and increases structural efficiency.
03
Interior courtyards enhance natural light control and promote a calming atmosphere.
04
Community pavilions are integrated into the landscape, fostering social engagement within nature.
05
The design incorporates reflective water features to facilitate a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment.

Located in an urban setting, Deceleration at the End of Life addresses the challenges associated with aging and end-of-life care by creating environments that support reflection, connection, and tranquility. The design seeks to provide spaces that balance social interaction with privacy, fostering well-being for occupants during this stage of life.

Form and Spatial Strategy
The building’s form is defined by organic geometries, featuring gentle curves and rounded shapes that differentiate it from conventional institutional designs. Variations in elevation and overhangs create a flowing architectural expression inspired by natural landscapes. Large windows and open terraces establish strong visual and physical connections to the outdoors, while communal areas encourage social engagement. Private pavilions are integrated to offer secluded spaces for individual retreat.

Materiality and Sensory Environment
Materials are selected to convey warmth and enhance sensory experience. Wood is extensively used to introduce a natural ambiance, while glass maximizes natural light and visual continuity with the exterior. Concrete provides structural stability with a restrained aesthetic, complemented by aluminum elements in railings and details. Natural stone is incorporated in flooring and landscaping to reinforce the organic character. The design carefully considers light, texture, and color to enrich the emotional and physical environment for occupants.

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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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