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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design in a Community-Centric Elderly Residence

Authors:
Nayara Alcantara, Germana Lopes, Bruna Lee Azado
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design in a Community-Centric Elderly Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive communal spaces, the design fosters social interaction and accessibility within a thoughtfully crafted home for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a central courtyard to facilitate community engagement and outdoor activities.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction and thermal efficiency.
04
Designed with flexible living units that can adapt to residents' changing needs.
05
Incorporates extensive glazing to enhance natural light and visual connections with nature.
The architectural design for the Portuguese Elderly Home presents a thoughtfully crafted environment tailored to meet the needs of elderly residents while fostering interactions with the surrounding community. This project embodies a commitment to enhancing quality of life through intentional spatial organization and material selection, focusing on integration and accessibility.

The primary function of the design is to provide a nurturing and communal living space for elderly individuals. The layout consists of two main blocks oriented towards a central courtyard, which serves as the heart of the project. This design encourages social engagement, allowing for community activities and personal interactions among residents. The home features various communal spaces, including a library and a chapel, encouraging use not just by the residents, but also inviting community members and fostering a sense of belonging.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of this project is its emphasis on communal living. By providing public amenities, the design seeks to dissolve the boundaries between the elderly home and the neighborhood, creating a multifunctional space that accommodates a wide range of activities. The central courtyard acts as a flexible area that can host community events, educational activities, and recreational gatherings, reinforcing the notion of shared spaces in urban living.

Accessibility is prioritized in the architectural layout. Circulation paths are designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, accommodating the mobility needs of elderly residents. The use of wide corridors and ramps ensures that all areas are easily navigable, allowing for independence within a secure environment.

Material Choice and Sustainability

The material palette consists of concrete, wood, steel, and glass, each selected for specific attributes that enhance the project’s function and aesthetics. Concrete provides essential structural integrity, while wood adds a warm aesthetic to interiors. Steel elements are incorporated to ensure stability without compromising on modern design sensibilities. Large windows and glass partitions are used extensively to enhance natural light penetration, promoting a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

The landscaping around the structure integrates vegetation to create a biophilic connection, promoting a calming environment that positively affects residents' well-being. Pathways constructed from gravel facilitate ease of movement while ensuring sustainability through the use of local materials.

In sum, the Portuguese Elderly Home project combines community-oriented design with accessibility and sustainable practices, creating a living space that not only accommodates residents but also integrates them into the larger social fabric. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project further, detailed presentations provide in-depth insights into its innovative concepts and architectural ideas.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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