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Exposed Concrete And Green Roof Integration In Accessible Housing For Seniors

Authors:
Jeremy Santiago Calderón, Edan Martinez
Exposed Concrete And Green Roof Integration In Accessible Housing For Seniors

Project in-detail

The integration of exposed concrete and a green roof establishes a seamless connection with the natural landscape, enhancing accessibility and fostering community among residents in this dedicated senior housing facility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exposed concrete surfaces enhance durability while minimizing maintenance needs.
02
A green roof fosters biodiversity and improves insulation for energy efficiency.
03
The central pathway design promotes social interaction among residents.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels offer rapid construction and sustainability benefits.
The "The Road" project provides a specialized housing solution for seniors located in Guánica, Puerto Rico. It embodies a design that emphasizes accessibility, community, and connection to nature. The facility is purpose-built to accommodate 36 residents, promoting a supportive environment that caters to the physical and emotional needs of its inhabitants. The project organizes space into distinct functional areas, including private residences, administrative offices, dining facilities, a library, therapeutic spaces, and areas for communal activities.

The architectural concept is centered around a central pathway, referred to as "The Road," which serves as the primary circulation space. This pathway connects various components of the facility, encouraging interactions among residents and facilitating ease of movement. The design prioritizes comfort and security, ensuring that all spaces are accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Sustainable practices are integrated throughout the project, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. The use of exposed concrete offers a practical and long-lasting structural solution, while green roofs contribute to biodiversity and assist with temperature regulation. Skylights enhance the interior with natural light, promoting a healthy atmosphere for residents.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its holistic approach to the design of elderly housing. By fostering social interaction through the central pathway, the facility creates a sense of community that is often lacking in traditional retirement homes. The integration of natural elements into the architectural design offers an inviting and serene landscape, enhancing residents' quality of life.

Architecturally, the design demonstrates adaptability to the surrounding environment, with forms that complement the existing terrain. Landscaping features further enhance privacy and comfort while promoting outdoor engagement. Each facade is designed to provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal, grounding the structure within its natural context.

In summary, "The Road" represents a thoughtful architectural solution for elder care, prioritizing community and accessibility. The design successfully merges functionality with a strong sense of place, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the residents' needs and the importance of environment in elderly care.

For a more in-depth exploration of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design strategies, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation. This resource will provide valuable insights into the architectural designs and ideas that define "The Road."
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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