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Cork and Polycarbonate Integration in a Community-Focused Elderly Home

Authors:
Hong-yi Hsu, Maxime Flamans, Ting-jung Chien, Ssu Hsin
Cork and Polycarbonate Integration in a Community-Focused Elderly Home

Project in-detail

Integrating cork flooring and polycarbonate panels within a step-designed layout, the home for the elderly in Veralia emphasizes community well-being and comfort while seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cork flooring for its acoustic properties and sustainability.
02
Polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while minimizing heat gain.
03
A step design reflects the local topography, promoting integration with the landscape.
04
Flexible communal spaces allow for a variety of activities and social engagement.
05
The project emphasizes safety and accessibility with thoughtful navigation paths and layout.
The project is an architectural design for a home for the elderly situated in Veralia, Portugal. This facility is not merely a structure but a carefully crafted environment that reflects the values of community, respect, and affection for elderly individuals. The design embodies a concept titled "Continuation of a Happy Life," highlighting the importance of maintaining dignity and relational bonds in the later stages of life.

Functionally, the project serves as a home tailored to the unique needs of seniors, providing a range of spaces that promote social interaction, personal comfort, and accessibility. The layout features communal areas specifically designed to encourage gathering and engagement among residents, reinforcing a sense of belonging. This focus on community is balanced with private living quarters that allow for personal retreat and tranquility.

A distinctive characteristic of the project is its thoughtful integration with the surrounding natural landscape. The design employs a step structure that harmonizes with the topography of the area, facilitating a seamless transition between the built environment and the outdoor spaces. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the architecture but also promotes environmental awareness and sustainability. The careful orientation of the building takes advantage of natural light and airflow, contributing to energy efficiency and comfort year-round.

The materiality selected for this architectural endeavor is both practical and evocative. The use of cork flooring is particularly noteworthy, as it provides excellent acoustic and thermal properties while also being sustainable and warm underfoot. Light steel frames form the backbone of the structure, allowing for a lightweight yet robust building that can accommodate the specific needs of elderly residents. Furthermore, polycarbonate panels feature prominently in window installations, maximizing natural daylight while moderating heat influx. These materials work in concert to create spaces that are not only functional but also imbued with a sense of home and warmth.

An essential feature of the design is the inclusion of adaptive spaces. These areas are deliberately versatile, enabling a range of activities from workshops to social gatherings. This flexibility is significant in promoting active engagement among residents, allowing them to participate in communal cultural festivities and hobbies that enhance emotional well-being. The thoughtful design ensures that these spaces are accessible and welcoming, further reinforcing the aim of fostering connections.

Attention to safety is a crucial component of the project. The layout is organized to prevent hazards while also ensuring ease of navigation, making the environment conducive to independence for residents. With accessible pathways and well-planned emergency exits, the design addresses the practical concerns of elderly care without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

As viewers explore the project presentation, they will find an array of architectural plans and sections that illustrate the meticulous attention to detail that has shaped this endeavor. Architectural designs showcase how the spatial organization aligns with the overall vision for the home, emphasizing both community interaction and personal sanctuary. The architectural ideas evident in this project represent a thoughtful consideration of the physical, emotional, and social needs of seniors, positioning this facility as a model for future developments in elderly care.

Engagement with the project offers deeper insights into various design components, encouraging the exploration of architectural optimization and integration with the landscape. By examining the nuanced details of the project, readers can appreciate the dedication to creating a supportive and enriched environment for elderly residents. This thoughtful approach to architecture speaks volumes about the possibilities in creating spaces that nurture, inspire, and sustain the quality of life for seniors.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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