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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
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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 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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