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Cork Facades and Polycarbonate Light Screens in a Multifunctional Senior Living Facility

Authors:
Kexin Li, Yang Meng
Cork Facades and Polycarbonate Light Screens in a Multifunctional Senior Living Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing cork facades and polycarbonate light screens, the design creates a pet-friendly environment that promotes social interaction and accessibility for senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cork facades enhance thermal insulation while providing a natural aesthetic.
02
Polycarbonate light screens maximize daylight penetration and privacy.
03
The terraced layout facilitates easy movement and social interaction among residents.
04
Pet therapy areas are integrated, encouraging companionship for seniors.
05
Accessible ramps replace traditional stairs, ensuring mobility for all residents.

The N.N. Portugal Elderly Home is an innovative architectural project designed to enhance the living conditions of the elderly. Located in Leiria, Portugal, the design provides a conducive environment that prioritizes social interactions and health management through a thoughtful integration of space and function. The facility incorporates features that support the presence of animal companions, which serve to alleviate feelings of isolation and promote emotional well-being among residents.

Unique Design Approach: Integration with Nature and Animal Companionship

This project stands out due to its incorporation of animal-assisted therapy as a fundamental element of its architectural design. The layout facilitates interactions between residents and their pets, creating a sense of community and companionship. This design fosters a nurturing environment and addresses the psychological needs of the elderly, differentiating it from conventional nursing homes.

The building's organizational structure includes terraced levels that accommodate varying accessibility needs, allowing residents easy movement throughout the facility. The careful positioning of communal spaces encourages socialization, while private areas provide necessary retreats. Additionally, strategically placed gardens and green spaces further enhance the connection between residents and their surroundings.

Functionality and Material Considerations

The N.N. Portugal Elderly Home employs a range of environmentally conscious materials, including polycarbonate hollow sheets that contribute to natural light diffusion and cork, which enhances the acoustic properties of the interior. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also create a warm, inviting ambience beneficial for elderly residents.

The architectural design emphasizes safety and accessibility, eliminating barriers commonly found in traditional nursing home layouts. Low inclinations in ramps and pathway designs ensure ease of mobility. Each area of the home is purposefully designed to facilitate both individual care and communal activities, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the unique requirements of elderly residents.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design strategies, we encourage readers to explore the project presentation further. Engaging with the architectural drawings and detailed designs will provide valuable insights into the innovative approaches taken in this project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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