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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Panels Form A Sustainable Elderly Care Facility In Rural Portugal

Author:
Daniel Vlahov
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Panels Form A Sustainable Elderly Care Facility In Rural Portugal

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the facility integrates natural light and creates a soothing environment tailored for elderly care in a rural Portuguese setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and scenic views.
04
Incorporates wide corridors and ramps to enhance accessibility for residents.
05
Includes a community garden that promotes outdoor activities and social interaction.

## Overview

Located along the N534 road in a rural area of Portugal, the elderly home design project addresses the specific needs of its residents while enhancing their quality of life. The site is characterized by a scenic landscape that not only provides a peaceful environment but also integrates the building into the existing community. The layout emphasizes functionality and accessibility, with a design that incorporates local materials and environmental considerations.

### Spatial Organization and Accessibility

The facility features a layout composed of three identical blocks strategically arranged to offer panoramic views and facilitate natural light penetration. Communal areas, including dining spaces and lounges, are intentionally positioned to promote social interaction among residents. The design prioritizes accessibility with wide corridors, ramps, and elevators accommodating various mobility levels. Each living space is equipped with specially designed bathrooms, enhancing safety and ease of movement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials reinforces a connection to the local environment while ensuring durability and energy efficiency. Large glass panels facilitate a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting well-being among residents. Wood finishes are utilized in the interior to create a warm atmosphere, while sustainable practices underpin the building's overall construction. The thoughtful integration of these elements aims to create not only a functional living space but also one that fosters community and personal well-being.

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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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Chair
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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