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Garden Pool Integrating Glass Facades and Warm Wood Accents for Welcoming Senior Living

Author:
Hakam Debayat
Garden Pool Integrating Glass Facades and Warm Wood Accents for Welcoming Senior Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a serene garden pool and expansive glass facades within warm wood accents, this senior living facility promotes connectivity and well-being, creating an inviting atmosphere for community interaction and individual reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a serene garden pool as a central feature for reflection and community gathering.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Employs cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and efficient construction.
04
Incorporates expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and connectivity with nature.
05
Fosters a variety of communal zones designed specifically for social interaction among residents.
The architectural project "Be In Touch" is a thoughtfully designed facility aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors by fostering a sense of community and connectivity. The design moves away from traditional elder care environments that often prioritize isolation, instead prioritizing social interaction and engagement with the surrounding community. This approach not only addresses the functional needs of the residents but also promotes their emotional well-being through an inviting and inclusive architectural framework.

The project embodies an ethos of warmth and openness, seeking to bridge the gap between the residents and the outside world. Its primary function is to serve as a residential space that encourages active living, while also providing areas for reflection, interaction, and communal activities. The design integrates a series of interconnected zones, each serving a specific purpose while contributing to the overall narrative of connectivity.

One of the important aspects of this project is the strategic organization of spaces that encourages residents to move throughout the facility. The layout features clear pathways and walking routes, guiding individuals from communal areas, dining facilities, and social zones to quieter spaces like gardens and reflective areas. This fluid organization not only fosters social interaction but also ties each aspect of the building to nature, allowing for a harmonious indoor-outdoor experience.

Materials play a vital role in conveying the architectural intent. The use of glass is significant, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its functional properties that maximize natural light. This creates a bright and uplifting atmosphere within the building. Concrete serves as a structural element, providing stability and permanence, while the strategic incorporation of wood introduces a sense of warmth and comfort, crucial for creating inviting spaces. Steel elements further enhance the sleekness of the design, enabling long spans and open spaces that promote a feeling of expansiveness.

The facility’s unique design approaches are reflected in its various zones tailored to specific activities and needs. The northern part of the building is oriented toward vibrant communal spaces such as dining areas and gathering spots for events, while the southern end features quieter spaces suitable for meditation, music, or personal reflection. This thoughtful segregation allows for a dynamic atmosphere, where residents can choose to be as active or as contemplative as they wish.

A significant feature of the project is the inclusion of water elements throughout the site, which not only provide visual interest but also contribute to the project’s overall calming ambience. The presence of a chapel, complemented by a garden pool, serves as a serene retreat for residents seeking spiritual solace or simply a moment of peace.

The architectural design of "Be In Touch" promotes a supportive environment where residents can build and maintain relationships, harnessing the complex interplay of physical spaces to enhance mental health. This not only positions the building as a residence but also as a vital part of the community landscape, inviting neighbors and visitors to engage with the residents and the facility itself.

In summary, the architectural project "Be In Touch" represents a progressive vision for senior living, showcasing how thoughtful design can foster community ties and enhance well-being. The use of harmonious materials, strategic zoning of functions, and the incorporation of nature through pathways and water features illustrates a deep understanding of the needs of its residents. For a more comprehensive understanding of the project and its architectural ideas, we encourage a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that further illuminate the intent and execution of this meaningful facility.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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