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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Harmonious Elderly Living Environment

Author:
Vid Fugina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Harmonious Elderly Living Environment

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design creates a harmonious living environment that fosters community and well-being for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with locally sourced stone to integrate with the historical context of Batalha.
02
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Large, strategically positioned windows maximize natural light and views of surrounding landscapes.
04
Flexible community spaces can adapt to various activities, promoting resident engagement.
05
Landscaped therapeutic gardens are designed to offer a calming, restorative environment for residents.

## Analytical Report on Batalha Monastery Elderly Home Architectural Design Project

### Overview
Located in Batalha, Portugal, a region known for its Gothic architecture, the Batalha Monastery Elderly Home aims to create a residential facility for older adults that harmonizes historical architectural elements with contemporary needs. The project emphasizes sociocultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility, intending to enhance the quality of life for its residents through thoughtful design while reflecting the dignity associated with historical monasteries.

### Spatial Organization and Accessibility
The design features an organized layout that prioritizes accessibility and community engagement. Central to this is a reception area that serves as the welcoming hub for residents and visitors. The nursing facilities are designed to provide both privacy and support, featuring spacious accommodations that balance independence with care. Various common areas are incorporated throughout the facility, including adaptable living rooms and gathering spaces, equipped with movable furniture to facilitate a range of social interactions and activities. Additionally, landscaped gardens and terraces are integrated to offer therapeutic benefits and opportunities for residents to connect with nature.

### Material Selection and Architectural Detailing
The architectural detailing reflects a commitment to contextual integrity through the use of local materials. The facade features locally sourced stone, establishing a connection to the region's historical context, while wooden elements within the interiors add warmth. Copper finishes on features such as parapets enhance the durability and visual appeal of the structure over time. Large, strategically positioned windows maximize natural light, and balconies extend from living areas, creating private outdoor spaces that foster interaction with the environment. The roof design incorporates varying heights and elements reminiscent of monastic architecture, contributing to the building's visual complexity.

The Batalha Monastery Elderly Home distinguishes itself through the integration of flexible spaces, sustainability measures, and well-planned landscaping, emphasizing a holistic approach to the design that prioritizes both community living and individual 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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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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