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Layered Thresholds in Adobe and Timber for a Memory-Centric Elderly Community

Author:
Kiki Au
Layered Thresholds in Adobe and Timber for a Memory-Centric Elderly Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating layered thresholds of adobe and timber, this community space fosters memory and interaction among its elderly residents through thoughtfully arranged open and private areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered thresholds create distinct zones of privacy and interaction throughout the space.
02
The use of adobe provides natural thermal insulation, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight design.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes spatial volume and promotes natural light penetration in communal areas.
05
Charred wooden shingles serve as both a protective skin and a visually appealing finish, reducing maintenance needs.

### Overview

"Memento Domus" is located in Portugal and is designed specifically for individuals in the later stages of life. The project aims to explore the relationship between physical environments and memory, reflecting a deeper understanding of how architectural spaces can influence identity and community. The design engages with the concept of dwelling as an active experience, facilitating both social interaction and personal reflection.

### Spatial Organization and Interaction

The layout of "Memento Domus" features a versatile arrangement of communal and private spaces tailored to enhance user engagement. A key area, the **Mnemonic Space**, is dedicated to invoking memory through distinct visual and spatial elements, encouraging both conscious and spontaneous reflection. Additional facilities include **Craft and Arts Spaces** that support creative expression, a **Cooking School** for culinary learning and communal interaction, and adaptable **Therapy Spaces** to promote wellness. Variations in ceiling heights, stair configurations, and pathway widths create a dynamic navigational experience, while thoughtfully designed visual connections facilitate social engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette for "Memento Domus" emphasizes warmth and durability, utilizing locally sourced elements to strengthen its contextual relevance. Adobe provides thermal comfort as an exterior wall material, while timber serves as both structural and finishing elements, highlighting sustainability. Concrete contributes stability in the building's structure and flooring, whereas the use of glass maximizes natural light and fosters visual links between interior and exterior spaces. Stone pathways enhance the connection to the surrounding landscape, promoting an integrated experience that respects the site’s geographical identity. This combination of materials not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the structure.

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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.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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