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Cultural Heritage Reflected in Azulejos and Natural Light Integration for a Senior Care Facility

Author:
Ashraf Abdel Mohsen
Cultural Heritage Reflected in Azulejos and Natural Light Integration for a Senior Care Facility
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The thoughtful incorporation of traditional azulejos and abundant natural light creates a vibrant environment in a senior care facility designed to foster both community interaction and personal well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facility integrates traditional Portuguese azulejos into its architectural design, enhancing cultural relevance.
02
Large windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and create a connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to both structural integrity and a warm interior ambiance.
04
Outdoor garden terraces provide residents with recreational spaces that promote outdoor engagement and wellness.
05
Sustainable features, including solar panels and native plant landscaping, support energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

### Project Overview
Recanto da Amizade, located in Portugal, is a purpose-built facility designed to meet the needs of elderly residents while integrating local cultural elements. The intent behind the design is to create a comfortable and engaging environment that fosters social interaction and community ties, reflecting a commitment to both architectural innovation and social responsibility.

#### Spatial Organization and User Accessibility
The architectural layout features a well-defined master plan that prioritizes connectivity and ease of movement among different areas. Central gathering zones facilitate communal activities, with a spacious dining area serving as a focal point for socialization. The design includes private and semi-private residential zones situated on the 4th and 7th floors, ensuring residents can maintain a sense of privacy while having proximity to communal spaces. Outdoor areas and balconies provide additional opportunities for interaction with nature, enhancing the overall living experience.

#### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is thoughtfully chosen to balance modernity with cultural resonance, incorporating durable concrete for structural integrity, warm wood finishes for inviting interiors, and traditional azulejos to celebrate local heritage. Large glass windows and lightweight facades are utilized to maximize natural light and foster a visual connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The project also integrates sustainable practices, including solar panels and native plant landscaping, which contribute to energy efficiency and biodiversity while minimizing maintenance needs.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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