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Rooftop Garden and Brick Facade Enriching Community Spaces for Seniors

Authors:
Zaoqing Liu, Boyang Li, Yizhuo Chen
Rooftop Garden and Brick Facade Enriching Community Spaces for Seniors

Project in-detail

With a rooftop garden and a brick facade, this facility enhances community interaction and well-being for seniors through thoughtfully designed residential and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop garden designed for social interaction and relaxation.
02
Brick facade integrates with the historical context of Harrisonburg.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Dedicated spaces for intergenerational activities foster community connection.
Senior Renaissance Living is a proposed architectural project located in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia, designed to address the multifaceted needs of the aging population. The facility combines both residential and communal spaces, emphasizing social connectivity and well-being among seniors. The architecture aligns with contemporary design principles while fostering interaction between residents, their families, and the surrounding community.

The project aims to create an environment that reduces social isolation and encourages active living. Key functions include residential units for seniors, communal dining and activity spaces, fitness facilities, and gardens. The layout promotes accessibility and mobility, allowing residents to navigate the facility and engage with various activities seamlessly.

Urban Integration and Community Engagement

One of the compelling aspects of Senior Renaissance Living is its urban integration. The design not only caters to its residents but also serves as a community hub, incorporating elements that encourage intergenerational interaction. Features such as open common areas, a community kitchen, and spaces for public events invite participation from the larger community. This approach differentiates it from typical elder care facilities by positioning it as a vital part of the urban landscape, rather than a secluded entity.

The exterior uses a combination of brick, glass, wood, and steel, reflecting a modern yet warm aesthetic. Brick provides structural durability and connects to the historical context of the region. Glass elements ensure ample natural light and sightlines, promoting transparency and openness. Wooden accents contribute to a homely feel, while steel infrastructure underscores modernity and resilience.

Design Approaches Focused on Well-Being

Unique design elements are infused throughout the structure to support well-being and social interaction. The use of graduated floor levels facilitates ease of movement for residents, while creating various communal zones designed for activities such as gardening, library sessions, and fitness classes. The rooftop garden is a standout feature, offering tranquility and outdoor space for relaxation and socialization, set against the backdrop of Harrisonburg.

The architectural layout emphasizes a balance between private and shared spaces. Each residential unit is designed to ensure privacy while still promoting interaction through shared amenities. The building's design considers elements such as acoustics, lighting, and airflow to enhance comfort for residents.

For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural nuances of Senior Renaissance Living, it is advisable to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs featured in the project's presentation. These documents provide valuable insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define this elder care facility.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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