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Integrating Sensory Gardens with Aluminum Cladding for Intergenerational Living

Integrating Sensory Gardens with Aluminum Cladding for Intergenerational Living
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Incorporating aluminum cladding and sensory gardens, this intergenerational hub redefines senior living by creating adaptable and engaging spaces that foster community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates sensory gardens designed to enhance well-being and promote interactivity.
02
Utilizes aluminum cladding for durability and energy efficiency in the building envelope.
03
Features flexible room configurations to adapt to changing resident needs over time.
04
Includes distinct corridor themes for enhanced navigation and visual stimulation.
05
Integrates outdoor walking pathways that connect various community facilities for accessibility.

### Location and Context
The InterGen Hub is located in Salokatu, Jyvaskyla, Finland, adjacent to residential accommodations for 40 older adults and three kilometers from Jyvaskyla University. This strategic position presents opportunities for intergenerational engagement while addressing the previously established isolation among local populations. The intent of the design is to promote community integration and interaction across different age groups through a multifunctional space that serves not only seniors but also the broader community.

### Spatial Strategy
The project's layout is meticulously planned to enhance accessibility and foster social interaction. A reoriented entrance creates a welcoming approach to the neighborhood, with expansive glass doors facilitating easier access. An inclusive walking bridge connects various facilities, doubling as a recreational space that encourages residents to engage with outdoor activities. Communal areas such as living rooms have been designed to accommodate diverse social functions, reinforcing the goal of promoting an inclusive community environment. Unique corridors with distinct visual themes on each floor enhance navigational ease and provide memorable spatial experiences.

### Materials and Environment
Material selection has been prioritized to balance aesthetics and sustainability. Lightweight aluminum cladding offers durability coupled with a rustic red finish, while concrete walls provide structural integrity and flexibility in interior layout. Large glass facades maximize natural light and reinforce connections to the surrounding landscape, contrasting with traditional clay tile roofing that aids in thermal regulation. Wooden finishes throughout the interior contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere, aligning with the project's intent to create a nurturing environment for its residents. Sensory and community gardens serve therapeutic purposes while encouraging interaction among users, highlighting the design's focus on holistic well-being.

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

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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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