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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Community-Centered Elderly Facility

Author:
Naz Amer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Community-Centered Elderly Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a harmonious blend of natural materials and light, catering to the social and personal needs of its residents in a community-focused elderly facility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial flow.
04
Includes wide corridors to facilitate easy movement for residents with mobility challenges.
05
Design prioritizes communal spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

The Elderly Home project located in Portugal represents a thoughtful architectural response to the growing need for supportive living environments for the elderly population. This facility is designed to promote independence while facilitating social interaction among residents. The architectural approach focuses on creating a nurturing setting that integrates seamlessly with the local landscape and culture, emphasizing functionality and comfort.

Design and Functionality The project features a layout tailored to enhance mobility and accessibility. It includes a series of well-proportioned living spaces that cater to the varying needs of residents, from private rooms to communal areas. The inclusion of lounges on each floor encourages interaction, fostering a sense of community. Ensuring comprehensive accessibility is central to the design, featuring wide corridors, elevators, and safety measures such as non-slip flooring.

Natural light plays a significant role in the project. Extensive use of glass facades serves to connect indoor environments with the exterior. This design choice not only maximizes daylight penetration but also creates a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor spaces are integrated throughout the design, providing garden areas and walking paths that encourage residents to spend time outside, promoting physical and mental well-being.

Distinctive Design Elements What sets this project apart is its blend of local architectural influences with modern design principles. By incorporating vibrant cladding materials that reflect the surrounding environment, the building resonates with cultural context while also asserting its contemporary character. The facility's architectural plan emphasizes flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to diverse activities and gatherings, which is essential in a community living setting.

Furthermore, the interplay between private and shared spaces is carefully considered. Each resident room is designed with en-suite bathrooms and space for personalization, allowing for privacy without detaching individuals from communal living concepts. Shared spaces, such as the main lobby, are organized to facilitate engagement and provide areas for residents and families to connect comfortably.

Sustainability and Material Choices The project prioritizes sustainability through the selection of materials and construction techniques. Reinforced concrete provides durability and structural integrity while supporting energy efficiency initiatives. The use of environmentally-friendly materials aligns with contemporary architectural standards, ensuring that the facility is responsible in its impact on the local ecosystem.

In summary, the Elderly Home project embodies a comprehensive approach to architectural design aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. By prioritizing accessibility, community engagement, and sustainability, the project stands as a significant addition to the architectural landscape of Portugal. For detailed insights, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, we invite you to explore the comprehensive project presentation.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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