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Tactile Navigation and Biophilic Integration in a Teak and Glass Residential Facility for the Visually Impaired

Authors:
Chansarivuth Dy, Christinne Runnath, Hong Seak
Tactile Navigation and Biophilic Integration in a Teak and Glass Residential Facility for the Visually Impaired

Project in-detail

Utilizing tactile patterns and biophilic design elements, this residential facility employs teak and glass to create a navigable environment that enhances independence for visually impaired residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tactile patterns on walls and floors to assist navigation for residents.
02
Incorporates low-profile storage with Braille labels for easy access to belongings.
03
Features strategically placed water elements to enhance auditory orientation.
04
Employs natural materials like teak and bamboo to create a warm, inviting environment.
05
Design minimizes visual barriers to promote spatial awareness and safety.
The architectural project “Safe and Sound” is designed as a residential facility catering to the needs of blind individuals in Cambodia. It embodies a commitment to inclusivity, prioritizing functionality, safety, and independence. The architecture focuses on eliminating barriers typically encountered by blind users, emphasizing tactile and auditory cues that facilitate navigation within the space. This project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can enhance daily living conditions for individuals with visual impairments.

Unique Design Considerations
One of the significant aspects of this design is the emphasis on tactile patterns integrated throughout the home. These patterns act as navigational aids, guiding residents from entry points to various living spaces. The simplicity of the layout minimizes potential hazards, creating a straightforward flow that enhances spatial understanding. Low-profile storage solutions featuring Braille labels were incorporated to promote personal organization and autonomy, enabling individuals to access personal belongings with ease.

Auditory elements play a crucial role in the design, with features like water installations strategically placed to assist in orientation. This integration of sound serves both practical and sensory purposes, contributing to a calming environment. Furthermore, the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is deliberate; users can readily access nature, which enriches their experience and fosters a sense of well-being.

Architectural Material Choices
The selection of materials for “Safe and Sound” aligns with its functional goals. Reinforced concrete provides the necessary structural integrity, while natural wood, such as teak or bamboo, introduces warmth through tactile engagement. Specific attention to flooring materials is paramount; textured and non-slip tiles enhance safety, allowing for secure navigation. Glass elements are utilized strategically to maintain visual connections to the outdoors while ensuring safety regulations are met. The inclusion of durable brass fixtures ensures that all hardware is easily identifiable by touch, further supporting the project's user-centered design ethos.

Moving Forward
By focusing on the specific needs of the blind community, "Safe and Sound" challenges standard architectural practices and creates a living environment that is both functional and supportive. The project not only fulfills the basic requirements of housing but also elevates the aspect of independence through meticulously crafted design choices. For a deeper understanding of the architectural techniques and design strategies employed in this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs presented in the project documentation.
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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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