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Sensory Courtyards and Private Facades in a Community Space for the Visually Impaired

Authors:
Qi Zhu, YU GU
Sensory Courtyards and Private Facades in a Community Space for the Visually Impaired

Project in-detail

Carefully designed courtyards introduce sensory experiences while private facades enhance comfort and security, forming a unique living environment for visually impaired residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sensory courtyards incorporate external sounds and smells for enriched experiences.
02
Private facades minimize visual openings to enhance occupant privacy.
03
Centralized circulation core facilitates easy movement throughout the space.
04
Structured around eight distinct functional spaces for diverse living needs.
05
Strategically positioned to balance urban access with personal retreat.

The design of "Home for the Blind" is situated on the edge of the old city of Suzhou, China. It provides essential living spaces for visually impaired individuals. The overall concept revolves around creating an environment that promotes accessibility and comfort while also addressing the specific sensory experiences of its residents.

Design Concept

The building's location takes advantage of being near a wide moat to the south and busy streets to the north. This placement allows residents to enjoy urban amenities while also offering a sense of retreat. The project recognizes the unique needs of blind individuals and aims to foster a balance between interaction with the city and a peaceful living environment.

Circulation and Space Organization

Circulation is a key consideration in the design. The central core of the building facilitates easy movement and access. Surrounding this core are eight distinct functional spaces organized around landscaped courtyards. This arrangement encourages social interaction and ensures that each area, whether communal or private, is accessible to all residents.

Facade Integration

The building's facade minimizes window openings to safeguard the privacy of its occupants. This design choice reflects a thoughtful understanding of the sensory experiences of blind individuals. The courtyard walls are designed with small gaps that allow external sounds and smells to enter, enriching everyday life and creating a connection to the outside world.

Functional Space Design

Architectural plans detail how different areas are organized, including spaces for dining, living, balconies, and bedrooms. Each space is designed with comfort and interaction in mind, aiming to create an inviting atmosphere that meets the residents' needs. This careful arrangement results in a supportive living environment.

The design focuses on improving the quality of life for its residents through thoughtful spatial organization and sensory engagement, leading to a home that is tailored to their unique experiences.

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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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