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Curved Chapel with Metal Mesh Facade in Sustainable Elderly Co-Living Space

Author:
Piroska Varga
Curved Chapel with Metal Mesh Facade in Sustainable Elderly Co-Living Space

Project in-detail

A metal mesh façade encases a serene chapel and community gardens within an accessible co-living environment designed specifically for seniors, promoting both privacy and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A unique curved chapel integrates natural light through expansive glass panels.
02
Metal mesh facilitates privacy while allowing airflow in communal areas.
03
Green roofs enhance the building’s thermal efficiency and biodiversity.
04
Wide corridors serve as social spaces, encouraging interaction among residents.
05
Landscaped gardens are specifically designed to promote relaxation and wellness.

Agora Home presents a thoughtful architectural solution for senior co-living in Portugal, designed to foster community interactions while providing private spaces for its residents. The project embraces a holistic approach to living, focusing on both individual needs and collective experiences. By creating environments that double as both personal retreats and communal hubs, the project serves an increasingly important role in addressing the social challenges faced by aging populations.

Community and Connection

A distinct feature of the Agora Home is the integration of communal spaces with individual living units. This design promotes social interaction and cohabitation, reducing feelings of isolation common among seniors. At the heart of the building lies a multipurpose community space, designed to host activities that encourage relationship-building among residents. Landscaped gardens surrounding the facility enhance the experience, providing tranquil spaces for relaxation and informal gatherings.

Individual living units are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring private bathrooms and balcony access. The choice of materials, such as natural wood and glass, creates warm, inviting interiors while also allowing for sufficient natural light. The layout of rooms facilitates interaction without compromising residents’ privacy, thereby addressing the delicate balance between community living and personal space.

Sustainable and Functional Design

Sustainability is a core principle of the design philosophy behind Agora Home. The building’s orientation maximizes natural light while minimizing energy consumption. The incorporation of green roofs and carefully planned landscaping not only enhances visual aesthetics but also contributes to thermal efficiency. This approach blends the structure into its surroundings, creating a seamless transition between the built and natural environments.

The innovative use of materials such as concrete, glass, and metal mesh provides structural stability while also ensuring easy maintenance and longevity. These choices reflect an understanding of the complexities of senior living, where functional and practical aspects are crucial. The layout features wide corridors that serve as social spaces, a departure from conventional, sterile hallways typically found in traditional senior residences.

Architectural Details and Social Engagement

A notable architectural detail is the chapel, designed as a space for quiet reflection, which stands in contrast to the more active communal areas. The chapel’s curved design allows for maximum natural light penetration, reinforcing its purpose as a tranquil environment. This intentional design element encourages mindfulness and personal reflection, emphasizing the project’s commitment to enhancing mental well-being.

Additionally, the project employs innovative architectural sections and plans that detail the flow of movement throughout the building. These technical elements illustrate how the design prioritizes accessibility and engagement, creating environments where residents feel empowered to participate in community life.

Agora Home illustrates a thoughtful response to the needs of an aging population through its intelligent design and community-focused approach. For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail. Engaging with these elements will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin this unique 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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