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Aging Together: Architecture for Connected Elderly Living

Author:
Paweł Gacek
Aging Together: Architecture for Connected Elderly Living
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Designed as a communal living environment for older adults, the project offers a sustainable and socially supportive alternative to conventional elder care. It creates a setting that encourages well-being and a strong sense of community among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to encourage social bonds among older adults Communal gardens support therapeutic gardening and relaxation Layout prioritizes wide corridors and open floor plans Sustainable materials ensure durability and energy efficiency Incorporates green technologies like rainwater harvesting.

The project envisions a neighborhood designed for older adults, where social bonds are encouraged to support mental and emotional well-being. Through a careful balance of private and shared spaces, the design fosters an environment that reduces isolation and promotes daily interaction. Communal areas, such as gardens and courtyards, offer opportunities for rest, socialization, and therapeutic gardening, reinforcing both physical and mental health.

Spatial Strategy and Accessibility

The layout emphasizes ease of movement with wide corridors, open floor plans, and minimal thresholds. Public and private areas are thoughtfully arranged to offer both personal privacy and opportunities for connection. Communal spaces are distributed throughout the site to encourage regular participation in shared activities, supporting a sense of autonomy within a connected community.

Material Use and Environmental Design

Sustainable strategies guide material selection and environmental performance. Locally sourced materials—such as reinforced concrete, glass, and aluminum—ensure durability and energy efficiency. Passive solar design enhances natural daylight in key areas, while the surrounding landscape incorporates native vegetation to reduce water use and support biodiversity. Green technologies, including rainwater harvesting and geothermal heating, further reduce the building’s environmental impact and operational demands.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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