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Hemp Insulation and Spruce Construction in a Community-Centric Senior Living Environment

Hemp Insulation and Spruce Construction in a Community-Centric Senior Living Environment
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Utilizing hemp insulation and locally sourced spruce, the design fosters a sustainable living environment that prioritizes community interaction in a contemporary senior housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hemp insulation for superior thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates locally sourced spruce for structural integrity and environmental sensitivity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically designed communal spaces.

# Analytical Report: Archipelago Verdure – A Vision for New Senior Living

## Overview

Archipelago Verdure, located in Sweden, represents a forward-thinking approach to senior living that prioritizes community integration, social engagement, and ecological sustainability. The design aims to redefine conventional senior living spaces by fostering active connections among residents and facilitating interactions with the broader community. This innovative architectural solution seeks to create an environment that encourages well-being through the integration of communal areas and natural surroundings.

## Design Strategy

### Spatial Organization

The site layout is thoughtfully organized into four distinct zones: Private, Family, Community, and Public, each designed to balance privacy with opportunities for social interaction. The Private Zone offers residents solitude while maintaining proximity to communal facilities. The Family Zone features a shared kitchen, promoting intergenerational connections through collaborative cooking experiences. The Community Zone acts as a cultural hub, equipped with a fireplace and flexible outdoor spaces to support gatherings. The Public Zone serves as an entry point for visitors, reinforcing inclusivity and connection to the larger community. Pathways meander throughout the site, facilitating exploration and interaction while emphasizing accessibility and mobility.

### Sustainable Materiality

The architectural approach incorporates sustainable materials and construction techniques that reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. Hemp insulation and spruce boards are utilized for their thermal efficiency and minimal ecological impact. Solar panels are integrated to meet energy demands, enhancing overall energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of locally sourced and recycled materials further reduces the carbon footprint and promotes community involvement. The inclusion of ecological features, such as fish reserves and aquatic habitats, not only enhances biodiversity but also emphasizes responsible resource management and water conservation.

Throughout its design, Archipelago Verdure prioritizes community engagement, emotional well-being, and environmental harmony, positioning itself as a model for future senior living developments.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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