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Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative

Author:
Joobyung Chae
Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative

Project in-detail

A central spiral ramp enhances accessibility while maximizing natural light in a residential complex designed for seniors, fostering communal interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central spiral ramps provide seamless accessibility across all levels.
02
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, enhancing the living environment.
03
Unique communal spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction among residents.
04
Sustainable materials, including concrete and wood, are utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Design integrates landscape features, promoting a connection to nature within the urban setting.

## Project Overview
Located at 2177 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, New York, the proposed housing complex aims to create an environment for seniors that promotes social interaction while addressing issues of accessibility and isolation. The design focuses on fostering a sense of community by integrating residential spaces with communal areas that cater specifically to the needs of elderly residents.

### Spatial Organization and Community Facilities
The architectural design emphasizes a barrier-free layout that encourages spontaneous social engagement. Key features include centrally located shared spaces such as a cafeteria, activity rooms, and a communal kitchen, which are strategically placed to facilitate interaction among residents. The living units are organized to balance privacy and communal living, with private bedrooms adjoining shared living rooms. A unique spiral ramp system connects all levels of the building, ensuring ease of movement and accessibility for individuals with varying mobility levels.

### Materiality and Design Details
The project employs a selection of materials chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, supporting the ramp systems. Extensive use of glass in the façades maximizes natural light and creates visual transparency between private and communal areas. Steel provides structural integrity for both the ramps and shared spaces, while wood finishes are incorporated into select interior elements to enhance warmth. Additionally, vegetative plantings are integrated into the design, offering both aesthetic enhancement and a connection to nature. The overall design promotes an inviting atmosphere, essential for fostering community ties among residents.

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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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