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Reclaimed Wood Facade and Recycled Materials Create Engaging Community Living for Seniors

Authors:
Khaliun Davaa Ochir, Nguyen Nguyen Trong Hoang, Phuoc Phuong Uyen Nguyen, Kamila Zhanuzakova, Houda Ezzaid
Reclaimed Wood Facade and Recycled Materials Create Engaging Community Living for Seniors

Project in-detail

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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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

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