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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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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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