Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Cladding in a Community-Focused Senior Facility

Author:
Chukang Liang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Cladding in a Community-Focused Senior Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and timber cladding, the design enhances the connection to nature while providing a supportive living environment for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central courtyard designed for both community interaction and therapeutic gardening.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that enhance thermal insulation and sustainability.
04
Incorporates adjustable louvres for natural ventilation and light control.
05
Adopts a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space while maintaining structural integrity.
The Elderly Home project, located in rural Portugal, is an architectural endeavor designed to cater to the needs of senior residents. This facility embodies a thoughtful integration of residential comfort with communal spaces, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for elderly care. The design focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing functional spaces that encourage social interaction while respecting individual privacy.

The project features a combination of traditional materials such as timber cladding and reinforced concrete, reflecting the local architectural vernacular while ensuring structural integrity and durability. Large windows constructed from glass allow ample natural light to penetrate the interior, promoting a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Organization and Community Focus

The layout is organized to maximize accessibility and usability across different levels of the building. Ground floor spaces include a welcoming entry with a reception area, communal dining rooms, and multipurpose therapy rooms designed for various activities. Above this, multiple floors provide individual living units that promote both independence and social engagement among residents. Each floor facilitates easy movement, with wide corridors and thoughtful room placement.

A central courtyard serves as a focal point for community interaction, equipped with landscaped gardens and seating areas that encourage outdoor activities. This courtyard not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the project but also provides a tranquil environment for relaxation and socialization. The interior planning emphasizes communal spaces such as libraries and community rooms, which are intentionally designed to facilitate group activities and foster a sense of belonging.

Sustainability and Adaptation to Environment

This project adopts several innovative design approaches aimed at sustainability and efficiency. Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout, enhancing air quality and reducing dependence on mechanical systems. The building’s orientation is carefully considered to optimize for solar exposure, decreasing energy consumption while maximizing natural light.

The design also prioritizes accessibility, with features such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, and wide corridors ensuring ease of movement for all residents. This focus on barrier-free design aligns with the project's mission to provide a comprehensive living experience for the elderly.

The Elderly Home in Portugal represents a blend of functionality and thoughtful design tailored to the needs of seniors. Its architectural plans and sections reflect a commitment to integrating the building into its natural context while promoting a community-focused environment. For more detailed insights, including architectural ideas and specific design features, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation further.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy