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Charred Wooden Shingles and Limestone Facades Enhance Community Living in a Tranquil Setting

Author:
Martin Szumilas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Limestone Facades Enhance Community Living in a Tranquil Setting

Project in-detail

With its distinctive charred wooden shingles and limestone facades, this elderly home fosters community and connection while providing a safe and serene environment for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainable building practices.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes landscaped gardens with native plants to enrich the outdoor experience.
05
Offers spacious communal areas that facilitate social interaction among residents.
The project under consideration is an elderly home located in Barreira, designed to cater to the unique needs of seniors while fostering a sense of community and comfort. This architectural endeavor represents a thoughtful blend of functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, effectively addressing the multifaceted requirements of elderly living. The interior and exterior design spaces have been carefully considered to create an environment that feels both safe and homely, which is essential for its residents.

The elderly home serves as a multifunctional space, incorporating areas designated for both communal activities and private living. The design centers around the idea of community, promoting interactions among residents while respecting their need for privacy. This dual focus is evident in the layout, which features expansive common areas on the ground floor, including lounges and dining spaces, alongside private rooms situated on the upper levels. This strategic arrangement allows for easy access to social facilities while providing residents with quiet retreats.

A noteworthy aspect of the project is its commitment to creating a seamless integration between the built environment and nature. The inclusion of landscaped gardens and outdoor seating areas enhances the overall living experience while encouraging residents to engage with the natural surroundings. The design employs large windows and sliding glass doors, allowing natural light to flood the interior and providing unobstructed views of the landscape. This deliberate connection to the outside world not only elevates the aesthetic of the space but also contributes positively to the well-being of the occupants.

The material selection within the architectural design reflects a careful consideration for both durability and comfort. Key materials such as reinforced concrete, limestone shell, glass, wood, steel, and ceramic tiles have been incorporated throughout the facility. Each material has been chosen not only for its structural integrity but also for its capacity to create an inviting atmosphere. For instance, the use of limestone on the facades brings a naturally appealing texture while adding insulation benefits, ultimately contributing to the energy efficiency of the building.

Accessibility stands as a core principle in the design of the elderly home. The expansive corridors and thoughtfully designed public spaces ensure residents can navigate the building with ease, regardless of their mobility challenges. Safety features, such as non-slip flooring and clear signage, have been considered to avoid potential hazards, while communal areas are spacious enough to accommodate broader social interactions. The incorporation of assistive technologies and design elements further reinforces a safe environment for all residents.

Within the realm of sustainability, the architectural approach integrates numerous eco-friendly elements that reduce energy consumption and promote responsible resource use. Strategies such as natural ventilation, solar energy utilization, and rainwater harvesting systems are embedded in the design to enhance environmental stewardship. By prioritizing these conditions, the project not only meets present needs but also ensures minimal ecological impact for future generations.

Overall, the elderly home in Barreira embodies a functional architectural design that balances the requirements of both community living and individual privacy. The architectural plans and sections provide deep insights into how the thoughtful integration of various elements contributes to a holistic living experience. The unique design approaches taken throughout the project speak to the emphasis placed on creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for its residents. For those interested in exploring the architectural ideas and intricate details further, reviewing the architectural designs can provide a clearer understanding of how various elements come together to create this distinctive living space.
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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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