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Spiral Ramp and Colorful Glass Panels Enrich Community Living in Sustainable Timber Housing

Authors:
Andy J Au, Suxuan Zhang
Spiral Ramp and Colorful Glass Panels Enrich Community Living in Sustainable Timber Housing

Project in-detail

Colorful glass panels and a spiral ramp create dynamic communal spaces within a sustainable timber framework, facilitating intergenerational living for an engaged community of seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful glass panels are integrated into the façade, enhancing light and visibility while reflecting community vibrancy.
02
The design features a spiral ramp that connects multiple levels, promoting accessibility and social interaction.
03
Upside-down housing units cater to diverse resident preferences, blending modern and traditional architectural styles.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while contributing to the aesthetic quality of the exterior.
05
The project engages potential residents during the design process, allowing for personalized living spaces.
Wisdom Village is an architectural project designed to address the challenges of social isolation among seniors in Australia. It creates a living environment that balances personal privacy with communal engagement, facilitating connections among residents of varied ages. The layout prioritizes accessibility, with a circular configuration providing a central courtyard that serves as a communal hub. This design approach encourages interaction and promotes a sense of community within the site, transforming traditional perceptions of senior living.

Integrating mixed housing types, Wisdom Village features innovative housing units that cater to diverse preferences. The use of upside-down housing models allows for modern, efficient layouts while appealing to younger residents without excluding older generations who may prefer more traditional forms. The architecture combines these varying styles to create an inclusive environment that fosters social interaction.

Architectural Details and Functionality
Wisdom Village’s design includes several critical components that enhance its functionality and user experience. A large spiral ramp circulates throughout the community, facilitating easy movement for residents, including those with mobility challenges. This feature not only serves a practical purpose but also encourages informal gatherings, reinforcing the community aspect of the design.

The structural integrity of the project relies on a combination of materials, including glass, concrete, and timber. Glass elements are strategically placed to maximize natural light, enhancing residents' well-being and creating visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. The use of concrete ensures a durable foundation, while timber elements add warmth and tactile comfort to living spaces.

Community engagement is a fundamental aspect of Wisdom Village. The design process included insights from potential residents, allowing for customization in both private and communal areas. This level of participation cultivates a sense of ownership among the residents and ensures that the design responds to their needs effectively.

Unique Approaches to Architectural Design
Wisdom Village distinguishes itself through its intergenerational focus and participatory design process. The architecture promotes interaction between different age groups, redefining the conventional approach to senior living and reinforcing community ties. Common areas, including gardens and gathering spaces, are woven throughout the layout, facilitating opportunities for communication and interaction.

The thoughtful placement of colorful glass panels serves a dual function. Aesthetically, they add visual interest and character, while symbolically representing the diversity and vibrancy of the resident community. The circular design allows for continuous flow, effectively reducing barriers and promoting an environment where residents can easily engage with one another.

The combination of architectural innovation and attention to the social aspects of living leads to a project that embodies modern principles of community-centered design. Wisdom Village not only emphasizes the importance of communal living but also provides a model for future developments that aim to create inclusive and interactive environments for seniors.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and design details of Wisdom Village, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain further insights into its architectural ideas and features.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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