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

Authors:
Emmy Mollgren, Ann Belinda Lundevall Svarstad, Rebecka Ella Christine Granat
Hemp Insulation and Spruce Construction in a Community-Centric Senior Living Environment

Project in-detail

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.
The Archipelago Verdure project is a thoughtfully designed senior living community located in Sweden. This architecture project serves to redefine how senior housing engages with residents and their surrounding environment. The design promotes social interaction and community connection while maintaining individual privacy. It embodies principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility, essential for modern architectural practice.

The layout of the project is organized into four distinct zones: Private, Family, Community, and Public. Each zone fulfills specific functions that cater to the needs of both residents and visitors. The Private Zone provides residents with personal living spaces designed for comfort and solitude. The Family Zone features shared cooking facilities, encouraging familial interactions and building connections among family members. The Community Zone, situated at the heart of the project, acts as a social hub where residents can gather around communal amenities, fostering a sense of belonging. Finally, the Public Zone invites external visitors, reinforcing ties between the community and the surrounding area.

Unique Design Approaches

A significant aspect of Archipelago Verdure is its innovative approach to promoting social interaction. The design incorporates curved pathways that connect the various zones, guiding residents through the landscape and encouraging exploration. This movement strategy fosters spontaneous encounters among residents, creating natural opportunities for social engagement without the need for formal programming.

Sustainability is a key component of the project's design. The choice of materials, such as hemp insulation and locally sourced spruce boards, aligns with modern environmental standards. The integration of solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further enhances the building's ecological performance. By implementing these sustainable practices, the project not only minimizes its carbon footprint but also sets a precedent for future developments in senior living architecture.

Altering traditional building layouts is another unique attribute of Archipelago Verdure. The architects have emphasized integration with nature by creating variances in building angles and heights. This approach maximizes natural light penetration while providing residents with views of the surrounding landscape. The thoughtful landscaping includes green spaces and aquatic features, contributing to the project's overall appeal and ecological value.

Architectural Details and Outcomes

The architectural plans illustrate careful attention to detail in the design processes. The communal spaces have been meticulously designed to accommodate various activities, from informal gatherings to organized events. Architectural sections reveal how the building’s height variations enhance spatial experiences, while considering the topography of the site.

The project outcomes indicate a strong focus on resident well-being. By balancing communal and private spaces, Archipelago Verdure encourages meaningful connections while respecting individual privacy needs. Additionally, the integration of outdoor spaces enhances residents' quality of life, promoting a healthy lifestyle through access to nature.

To delve deeper into the architectural design and planning specifics of Archipelago Verdure, the project presentation provides comprehensive insights into architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas. Exploring these elements will offer a fuller understanding of the project’s architecture and its approach to redefining senior living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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