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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.

## Analytical Report on the Elderly Housing Project "The Road"

### Project Overview

Located adjacent to the dry forest of Guánica, Puerto Rico, the elderly housing project "The Road" is designed to accommodate 36 residents while promoting community engagement and accessibility. The facility integrates various amenities aimed at fostering social interactions and supporting the mental well-being of its residents. The architectural intent focuses on creating an environment that enhances connectivity among residents through its layout and communal spaces.

### Spatial Organization

The design features a well-considered spatial arrangement that categorizes areas into administrative, private, and communal functions. The layout encourages ease of navigation, ensuring all spaces are accessible for seniors. Key functional areas include a dining and cafeteria space for communal meals, a flexible gathering area for events, a spiritual space for reflection, a library for cognitive engagement, and therapeutic units tailored to health and fitness needs. This organization facilitates a natural flow throughout the complex, promoting a sense of community and interaction among residents.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The project's material selection emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Exposed concrete provides structural integrity while offering a raw aesthetic that integrates with the natural environment. The inclusion of green roofs enhances biodiversity and aligns with sustainable architectural practices. Skylights are employed to maximize natural light, which contributes positively to the mental well-being of residents.

In addressing the warm climate of the region, natural shading and passive ventilation strategies have been carefully incorporated. The use of permeable surfaces and green roofs not only reduces the ecological footprint but also promotes a vibrant atmosphere conducive to the residents' quality of life. These elements underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility while fostering a lively living environment.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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