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Timber Canopy Reflecting Natural Light in a Community Space for Elderly Wellness

Author:
诗涵 陈
Timber Canopy Reflecting Natural Light in a Community Space for Elderly Wellness

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and expansive glass elements, the design creates a luminous environment that fosters intergenerational connections and wellness for the elderly within an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, maximizing natural light and spatial flow.
04
Promotes intergenerational interaction by placing recreational areas adjacent to patient zones.
05
Integrates reflection spaces throughout, catering to the mental well-being of users.

## Project Overview
Located in the urban center of Hangzhou, China, the "Reintegration - A Garden Next to Home" project addresses socio-environmental challenges related to aging populations, healthcare accessibility, and community integration. The design intention centers on fostering interactions among the elderly and creating an environment that supports wellness and alleviates the stigma surrounding illness and mortality.

### Spatial Strategy and Zoning
The layout is carefully structured to enhance space utilization and facilitate accessibility. The site is divided into distinct zones: Gathering Areas are intended for communal activities, promoting engagement among residents, therapy patients, and visitors. Recreational Spaces feature sunken grass areas and children's play zones, encouraging intergenerational interaction that brings vitality and hope to adult patients. Additionally, Reflection Areas are strategically positioned throughout to offer tranquil environments conducive to contemplation, addressing the therapeutic needs of those facing significant health challenges.

### Materiality and Structural Form
The architectural form exhibits a blend of modern lines and organic features, creating an inviting atmosphere. Key materials include concrete, which provides structural integrity and serves as a neutral backdrop; wood, utilized in window frames and facades, which imparts warmth and a tactile quality; and extensive glass elements that enhance natural light and establish continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. This careful selection of materials not only fulfills functional requirements but also contributes to a therapeutic setting, encouraging emotional connection to the environment.

Distinct design elements, such as a thoughtfully patterned roof structure, contribute to a light-filled ambiance while promoting interaction and connection between built spaces and nature. The strategic proximity of recreational spaces to patient areas fosters spontaneous engagement, normalizing discussions about health issues and enhancing community life within the facility.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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