Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Natural Ponds and Treated Wood Define Community Housing for Seniors

Authors:
Bhathara Prapunwattana, Wadhana Kambamrung, Anyamanee Ongsaranakom, Saharat Karawanont
Natural Ponds and Treated Wood Define Community Housing for Seniors

Project in-detail

Incorporating treated wood and natural ponds, this senior housing development prioritizes ecological design and community connectivity, creating versatile clusters that foster social interaction and engagement among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates natural ponds for effective stormwater management and biodiversity enhancement.
02
Utilizes treated wood for both structural elements and aesthetic finishes to promote warmth and durability.
03
Features flexible cluster designs that encourage social engagement among residents.
04
Integrates translucent polycarbonate panels to optimize natural lighting while ensuring privacy.
05
Prioritizes ecological sensitivity through landscape elements that foster interaction with the surrounding environment.

## Project Overview

Located in Bangkok, Thailand, the design aims to enhance community engagement among varied age groups, particularly within a senior living environment. The conceptual framework of this project addresses themes of memory, relationships, and isolation, with an emphasis on fostering meaningful spatial experiences for residents. By analyzing the innovative concepts and spatial organization, this report outlines the project's approach to creating a vibrant living environment.

## Spatial Strategy

The spatial composition is organized into distinct clusters that facilitate communal living while preserving personal privacy. The master plan delineates zones for residential units, communal areas, and pathways, promoting a sense of belonging while encouraging interactions among residents. Each cluster functions as a mini-community, featuring versatile communal spaces designed for workshops, activities, and social gatherings. Additionally, the incorporation of natural ponds supports stormwater management and enriches the ecological footprint of the development, further enhancing social connectivity through shared outdoor experiences.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selected materials emphasize both aesthetic qualities and functional requirements, contributing to the project's sustainability goals. Structural elements utilize concrete for durability, while polycarbonate panels create translucent surfaces that soften light and enhance visual appeal. Glass is incorporated for windows and communal spaces, reinforcing connections to the surrounding environment. Treated wood provides warmth and a natural aesthetic, while stone and paving stones ensure durability in outdoor pathways. The integration of natural ponds not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters biodiversity, enhancing the overall livability of the development.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy