Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in A Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood

Authors:
Kenta Ishizu, Kensuke Enomoto, Haruki Hayata, Rikuto Oshima
Rooftop Gardens and Natural Light in A Community-Focused Structure of Concrete and Wood

Project in-detail

Rooftop gardens entwined with large glass panels create an abundance of natural light within a durable concrete and wood structure designed to foster community engagement among elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop gardens provide green space for social interaction and leisure activities.
02
Large glass panels enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings.
03
Flexible living units allow for various configurations to meet resident needs.
04
Timber cladding incorporates sustainably sourced materials for warmth and aesthetics.
05
Community areas include multipurpose spaces designed specifically for intergenerational engagement.
The "Elderly Village" architectural project is designed to address the pressing issue of elderly isolation through the creation of a supportive community environment in the Sumida district of Tokyo. This project focuses on fostering intergenerational connections while offering a range of living accommodations tailored to the needs of senior citizens. The architectural design emphasizes communal spaces alongside private living units, all amidst an integrated landscape that encourages social interaction and community engagement.

Designing for Intergenerational Interaction

One of the defining characteristics of the "Elderly Village" is its commitment to intergenerational interaction. This project incorporates shared facilities such as a café, multi-purpose workshops, and gardens that are intentionally designed to invite residents of various ages to gather and engage. The design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all residents can utilize these spaces regardless of mobility. This focus on creating an inviting environment reinforces community bonds while promoting active aging, a critical aspect of enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals.

Architectural Materiality and Design Choices

The material selection for the "Elderly Village" is integral to its design ethos. Concrete is utilized for structural components, providing durability and insulation. Wood is applied for cladding, creating a warm aesthetic that aligns with the project’s goal of fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Large glass panels allow ample natural light, enhancing comfort and minimizing the feeling of confinement often associated with high-density living. The integration of green spaces throughout the project is formed with both landscape materials and vegetation, promoting ecological balance and encouraging outdoor activities.

Residents benefit from carefully planned living situations that include both private apartments and shared living arrangements, allowing for flexibility in lifestyle choices. The layout enhances connectivity, ensuring that communal and personal spaces are in close proximity. The incorporation of rooftop gardens serves not only as a recreational area but as a social hub, offering views of the nearby Tokyo Skytree while facilitating outdoor gatherings.

Overall, the "Elderly Village" project serves as an architectural response to enhance community living for older adults in an urban context. The focus on intergenerational interaction, thoughtful material choices, and accessible design elements set it apart from conventional elderly housing developments. For those interested in exploring architectural details further, examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide greater insight into the innovative ideas that shape this project.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
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 17,249 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