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Grass Ramp and Rooftop Garden in Cross-Laminated Timber Residence for Elderly Care

Authors:
Meijia Sun, Yaodong Li, Yiyang Liu, Lun Hu
Grass Ramp and Rooftop Garden in Cross-Laminated Timber Residence for Elderly Care
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Incorporating a grass ramp for accessibility and a rooftop garden for self-sufficiency, this four-story residence is built with cross-laminated timber to create a supportive community environment for elderly care.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a grass ramp for enhanced accessibility across sloped terrain.
02
Features a rooftop garden that serves as a source for fresh produce.
03
Constructed primarily with cross-laminated timber for improved sustainability.
04
Includes rolling shutters for efficient sun shading and privacy control.
05
Layouts support both communal living and individual privacy for residents.

## Project Overview

Located on a sloping hillside, the elderly home is designed to integrate into its natural environment while addressing the specific needs of its residents. Spanning four stories, the structure balances form and function with a focus on creating a supportive community atmosphere that enhances individual dignity and self-reliance.

### Spatial Strategy

The organization of the layout promotes both communal interaction and private retreat. Key features include an ADA-compliant grass ramp that connects two residential buildings, facilitating accessibility while fostering inclusivity. The design also incorporates a rooftop garden, which serves as a recreational space and a cultivation area for fresh produce. Communal dining and multifunctional areas are intentionally located to serve as social hubs, adaptable for various activities, thereby encouraging social engagement among residents.

### Material Selection

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic harmony. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is utilized for its structural and environmental benefits, while large glass panels ensure abundant natural light in communal spaces. Steel elements provide stability, and warm wood finishes throughout the interiors enhance the connection to nature, contributing to a homelike atmosphere. Natural stone is also integrated into various design elements, ensuring durability and a sense of permanence.

### Community Engagement and Sustainability

The design emphasizes eco-friendly practices and local resources, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability. It includes shared workspaces for crafts and entrepreneurial activities, further enhancing community interaction and promoting a sense of belonging among residents.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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