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Scent Gardens and Tactile Materials Enhancing Accessibility in Charred Timber Home

Author:
Karolina Sykorova
Scent Gardens and Tactile Materials Enhancing Accessibility in Charred Timber Home

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and textured surfaces create a sensory-rich environment that prioritizes accessibility and navigation, fulfilling the need for a welcoming home for individuals who are blind.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing tactile feedback for navigation.
02
Scent gardens are incorporated to stimulate memory and emotional connections.
03
Wide pathways throughout the home ensure ease of movement for mobility aids.
04
Acoustic materials reduce noise, creating a calm living environment conducive to communication.
05
Textured flooring differs in material across spaces to aid spatial orientation for residents.
The project titled "Unseen Spaces of Life" is an architectural design focused on creating a living environment tailored for individuals who are blind. This residence is strategically designed to enhance the quality of life by prioritizing sensory experiences that extend beyond visual interaction. It functions as a home where autonomy and social interaction are seamlessly integrated, facilitating an environment that nurtures independence while ensuring safety.

Design elements align with the project’s primary mission of inclusivity and accessibility. The building features an open-plan layout that includes vital areas such as a combined living room and kitchen, dining spaces, private bedrooms, and bathrooms. Each space is configured to accommodate movement and interaction, reducing barriers that may hinder accessibility. The choice of materials—such as natural wood, sustainable wall panels, ceramic tiles, and solar panels—emphasizes both durability and an eco-friendly ethos while catering to tactile stimulation.

Unique Design Perspectives

What sets this project apart from others is its comprehensive integration of sensory design elements. The spatial configuration encourages navigational freedom, employing sound-absorbing materials to create an acoustically comfortable environment. This approach not only reduces noise pollution but also aids residents in communication, promoting an atmosphere of engagement.

The incorporation of tactile flooring materials enhances orientation within the living areas, allowing for intuitive movement without reliance on sight. Outdoor spaces are designed as scent gardens, where plant selection focuses on aromatic varieties that evoke memories and foster emotional connections. This nuanced understanding of the residents’ needs differentiates this project significantly from conventional housing designs.

Additional Architectural Features

The home’s architecture incorporates large openings for natural light while maintaining privacy and comfort. A cantilevered roof design protects from excessive sunlight and rain, contributing to environmental sustainability. The layout is intentionally barrier-free, ensuring that pathways are wide and smooth for ease of navigation using mobility aids or canes.

The emphasis on community is reflected in the communal spaces strategically located within the home, encouraging social interactions among residents. The design prioritizes inclusivity by offering shared zones where individuals can engage in activities, helping to alleviate moments of isolation often felt by the visually impaired.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of the project, explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that highlight the thought process and specifics behind this carefully crafted living environment. This exploration will provide a comprehensive insight into the architectural methodologies and opportunities this project presents.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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