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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Elements Define A Sustainable Hillside Community for Seniors

Author:
Kemel Tavares
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Elements Define A Sustainable Hillside Community for Seniors

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by solar energy systems, the facility offers an accessible and sustainable living environment designed for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance and durability.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Incorporates extensive landscaping for therapeutic outdoor spaces accessible from all units.
05
Designed with universal accessibility in mind, ensuring ease of movement for all residents.
The Hillside Views project is an architectural design tailored for a retirement community in Portugal. This facility emphasizes accessibility and community engagement for elderly residents, addressing essential lifestyle needs while fostering interaction with the surrounding landscape. The design promotes comfort and well-being through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection.

Innovative Spatial Configuration
The architectural design distinctively arranges spaces to facilitate easy navigation and socialization. The ground floor is dedicated to communal areas, including lounges and dining spaces that encourage residents to connect. Upper levels contain residential units, each featuring private balconies that visually integrate the indoor environment with the outdoor landscape. This layout is deliberate, ensuring that all parts of the building contribute to an atmosphere of engagement and support for the residents’ physical and emotional well-being.

Sustainable Material Choices
An essential component of the project is its commitment to sustainability through materiality and energy efficiency. The structure is primarily constructed of concrete and reinforced with steel beams, ensuring structural integrity. Rock wool insulation enhances thermal performance, while ceramic tiles offer durability and ease of maintenance in high-traffic areas. The use of sustainably sourced wood for cladding adds a natural aesthetic while aligning with environmental standards. The integration of double glazing aids in managing heat loss, promoting energy efficiency throughout the facility. Solar panels and water harvesting systems are critical features, reflecting the project's dedication to environmentally responsible practices.

Architectural Integration with Nature
What sets the Hillside Views project apart from conventional retirement community designs is its thoughtful integration with the natural environment. The site takes full advantage of its hillside location, with large windows and terraces designed to provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This connection with nature is intentional, as research shows that access to outdoor views and natural light positively impacts the mental health of elderly individuals. The landscaped areas outside encourage resident interaction with nature, underscoring the project's focus on creating a holistic living environment that supports both physical and emotional health.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans and sections of the Hillside Views project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. By reviewing architectural designs and ideas, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of how the project fulfills its functions and addresses the specific needs of its residents.
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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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