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Ceramic Facades and Natural Stone Create a Welcoming Community Space for Seniors

Author:
Ashraf Abdel mohsen
Ceramic Facades and Natural Stone Create a Welcoming Community Space for Seniors

Project in-detail

Embracing traditional Portuguese ceramics and natural stone, the design offers a series of communal spaces and private verandas that foster connections for seniors seeking a welcoming residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes traditional Portuguese azulejos to enhance cultural identity within the facility.
02
Incorporates private verandas for each resident, promoting personal outdoor spaces.
03
Features a multifunctional dining area that doubles as a cultural performance venue.
04
Designed with accessible layouts to accommodate varying mobility needs of seniors.
05
Complements sustainable practices through the use of solar panels and efficient materials.
The Recanto da Amizade is a thoughtfully designed elderly home situated in Portugal, embodying an architecture that prioritizes community, comfort, and cultural integration. This project represents a commitment to enriching the lives of seniors by creating a living space that feels both welcoming and familiar. The design of this facility ensures that it functions not only as a residence but also as a hub for social interaction and engagement among its residents.

At the core of the design is the concept of “Home Away from Home.” This philosophy resonates throughout the entire project, aiming to facilitate personal connections and encourage engagement in daily activities that celebrate both individual and communal experiences. Residents are provided with opportunities to participate in culturally significant practices, such as music and traditional dining, thus reinforcing bonds with both the place and each other.

The architectural layout of Recanto da Amizade is strategically organized into distinct zones that respond to the daily routines and social needs of the residents. The ground floor houses informal reception and lounge areas, which serve as welcoming spaces where residents can gather. These areas prioritize comfort and facilitate communication, reflecting the project’s vision of fostering a sense of community. The emphasis on shared experiences is evident in the centrally located dining space that promotes communal meals. This design encourages social interactions, becoming a gathering point where stories and traditions can be shared.

On the upper floors, the thoughtful distribution of resident rooms ensures both accessibility and privacy. Each room is designed to reflect a sense of personal space, with ample natural light and views that connect residents to the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the incorporation of small terraces for each room fosters opportunities for personal expression, allowing residents to enjoy solitary moments in the comfort of the outdoors.

The project also integrates recreational spaces that are critical for promoting physical and mental well-being. Amenities such as a gym and spa have been designed to encourage movement and relaxation, highlighting the importance of wellness in the lives of the elderly. This holistic approach addresses not only the physical aspects but also the social and emotional needs of the residents.

One of the key design elements is the incorporation of traditional Portuguese azulejos, or ceramic tiles, within the architecture. These tiles serve as a cultural reference and are strategically placed to create a connection to local heritage. The aesthetic integration of local culture through material choices enriches the living environment and provides residents with visual cues that evoke familiarity and comfort.

Sustainability is also an essential aspect of this architectural design. The facility has been planned with energy-efficient features, including solar panels that promote environmental responsibility. This conscious decision reflects a broader aim of promoting sustainable living practices within the community, thus aligning with contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize ecological balance.

Unique to Recanto da Amizade is the multifunctional use of space, particularly the dining area that converts into a cultural performance space. This innovative approach allows for events such as Fado performances, immersing residents in traditional music and dance, which further reinforces community bonds and nurtures cultural identity.

In summary, the Recanto da Amizade is more than just an elderly home; it is a carefully considered architectural project that reflects the values of community engagement, cultural integration, and sustainable design. The thoughtful layout and unique materiality work harmoniously to create a comfortable and functional environment for its residents. To delve deeper into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that form the foundation of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative design ideas and architectural execution.
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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