Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reclaimed Wood Retreat with Green Roof Integration for Senior Living

Authors:
Migdalis Marie Gomez Aponte, Luis Ricardo Cordero Martinez
Reclaimed Wood Retreat with Green Roof Integration for Senior Living

Project in-detail

Constructed using reclaimed wood and designed with extensive green roofs, this senior living retreat emphasizes sustainability and community engagement while seamlessly integrating into its coastal environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from reclaimed wood to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features extensive green roofs that promote biodiversity and enhance insulation.
03
Utilizes large glass windows for natural light and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates a greywater recycling system to support water conservation efforts.
05
Designed with flexible living units to accommodate varied needs of residents.

### Overview

Located in Guánica, Puerto Rico, the Solidago project is designed as a sustainable retreat for seniors, focusing on the creation of a communal living environment that enhances personal well-being and promotes social interaction. The architectural approach integrates with the surrounding natural landscape to address the specific needs of the elderly while emphasizing principles of accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Solidago features a balanced distribution of communal and private spaces, ensuring both social interaction and individual privacy. Integrative landscaping, including gardens and courtyards, enhances the connection between the built environment and nature, promoting sensory engagement for residents. The architectural form includes walking paths designed to encourage outdoor activities and facilitate interactions, fostering a sense of community among residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a range of sustainable materials that contribute to reduced environmental impact and increased durability. Reclaimed wood is used to add warmth and texture while minimizing the ecological footprint. Structural concrete forms are designed to enhance durability and are paired with strategies to mitigate thermal mass effects. Extensive use of glass promotes natural light, connecting interiors with the outdoors.

A commitment to sustainability is further reinforced through the incorporation of features such as cross ventilation, solar panels, and a greywater recycling system, aimed at conserving resources and promoting energy efficiency. These elements collectively support a sustainable lifestyle for residents while enhancing their overall quality of life.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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