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Therapeutic Gardens Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles in Sustainable Senior Living Environment

Author:
Xu Zhang
Therapeutic Gardens Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles in Sustainable Senior Living Environment

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop therapeutic gardens designed with modular configurations, creating a sustainable living environment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated therapeutic gardens promote wellness and outdoor engagement for residents.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide aesthetic appeal while enhancing durability and fire resistance.
03
Modular configurations allow for flexible living arrangements that adapt over time.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to sustainability and structural efficiency.
05
Bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views throughout the facility.

## Overview

Located within Qinglong Lake Park in Beijing, China, the *Bridge Haven* project aims to enhance the living conditions and quality of life for senior citizens. This design prioritizes social interaction, ecological sustainability, and cultural engagement, providing a redefined communal living experience tailored to the needs of the elderly demographic. The project responds to the landscape and context of Fengtai District, creating a supportive environment for residents post-ecological restoration.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The architectural layout consists of interconnected volumes that facilitate communal living while respecting individual privacy. Residential units are strategically positioned next to shared amenities including dining and recreational spaces, fostering interaction among residents. The design employs modular principles, allowing for future adaptability in response to evolving resident needs. Courtyards and gardens are central to the layout, promoting a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments through diverse walking paths and gardening areas that encourage leisure and relaxation.

## Materiality and Sustainable Practices

The project's material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and comfort. Wood serves as a primary structural element, providing warmth and a connection to nature, while expansive glass facades maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. Concrete is utilized for its strength and aesthetic simplicity, complemented by durable metal roofing that enhances the overall design. This careful interplay of materials creates an inviting atmosphere that supports both social interactions and individual contemplation, aligning with the project's ethos of promoting a healthy and engaged lifestyle for its 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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