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Reclaimed Wood Facade and Recycled Materials Create Engaging Community Living for Seniors
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Utilizing recycled materials like AshCrete and reclaimed wood, this senior housing complex fosters community engagement through its central courtyard design, enhancing accessibility and interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 97% recycled fire-resistant materials for structural integrity.
02
Incorporates AshCrete for durable and eco-friendly pathways.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for enhanced community engagement.
04
Employs reclaimed wood for both aesthetic value and sustainability.
05
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.

### Overview

Located in Vác, Hungary, approximately 35 kilometers north of Budapest along the eastern banks of the Danube River, the senior housing development addresses the growing needs of the local elderly demographic, which comprises around 20.7% of the city’s 35,000 residents. The project aims to create an inclusive environment that promotes social interaction and independence while responding to the specific requirements of its elderly inhabitants.

### Community Integration and Functional Layout

The design emphasizes community cohesion through a central courtyard that organizes multiple residential buildings. This configuration fosters accessibility to shared amenities and encourages interaction among residents. Key functional spaces include individual living units for privacy, communal areas such as a social club, and a central hub that facilitates various activities and services. Additional spaces, such as a dining area and recreational facilities, are designed to promote an active lifestyle while encouraging engagement within the community.

### Sustainable Material Choices

Sustainability is a core principle underlying the project’s material selection. Key features include the use of 97% recycled, fire-resistant materials for load-bearing structures, enhancing both structural integrity and environmental responsibility. The incorporation of AshCrete for pathways offers durability while supporting ecological goals. Recycled rubber pavement is used for walkways to improve safety, and reclaimed wood furniture minimizes waste and exemplifies a commitment to sustainable practices. The integration of these materials not only reinforces the project's environmental objectives but also contributes to a cohesive aesthetic throughout the development.

### Environmental Considerations and Accessibility

The site takes advantage of environmental factors such as natural ventilation and sunlight exposure through strategically placed balconies and terraces. This design approach ensures efficient utilization of natural resources and contributes to a comfortable microclimate for residents. The circulation layout within the complex is intuitive, minimizing barriers to enhance movement. Centralized communal spaces and thoughtfully designed landscaping further promote outdoor activity and ease of navigation, creating an environment conducive to the well-being of its elderly residents.

### Material List

- 97% recycled fire-resistant material
- AshCrete
- Recycled rubber pavement
- Reclaimed wood

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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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