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Elderly living community featuring large glass facades and sustainable concrete elements

Author:
Hanee Murtuza
Elderly living community featuring large glass facades and sustainable concrete elements

Project in-detail

This elderly living community thoughtfully integrates large glass facades, natural wood accents, and sustainable concrete structures within a serene landscape to create a welcoming environment that fosters connection and independence among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates terraces that feature native plant landscaping, promoting local biodiversity and enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Modular living units allow for flexible interior layouts, enabling residents to customize their spaces according to personal needs and preferences.
03
Large glass facades strategically positioned for optimal natural light minimize the reliance on artificial lighting throughout the building.
04
The use of sustainable concrete and natural wood accents creates a harmonious balance between structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
A central courtyard design facilitates communal gatherings while providing a tranquil outdoor space for relaxation and social activities.
This architectural project, situated in Portugal, focuses on creating an elderly living community that emphasizes dignity, comfort, and social interaction. The design reflects a balanced integration between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, working cohesively to offer a nurturing living space. The project serves as a residential facility for the elderly, promoting a harmonious blend of communal and personal areas. This thoughtful approach enables residents to maintain their independence while encouraging connections with others.

Key features of this design include a variety of communal spaces such as lounges, dining areas, and outdoor terraces that form the heart of the community. These spaces are strategically located around a central courtyard, enhancing opportunities for socializing while offering subtle divisions that allow for privacy. By organizing the layout in this manner, the project fosters an environment where residents can engage with one another organically, which is crucial for their well-being.

The architectural design employs a modern aesthetic characterized by clean lines and functional forms. This is particularly evident in the building's silhouette, which features staggered masses and varying heights. Such an arrangement is not only visually appealing but also operationally advantageous; it creates a dynamic flow of spaces and maximizes views from both the interior and exterior. With large windows and ample natural light, residents can enjoy bright and airy living conditions that connect them to the outdoor environment.

The materiality of the project plays a significant role in enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. The careful selection of materials includes glass, concrete, wood, and steel. Glass is a prominent feature, used to create expansive facades that allow natural light to permeate the interiors while providing visual continuity with the exterior landscape. In conjunction with concrete, which forms the structural backbone of the design, these materials offer durability and stability. Wood accents add warmth to the interiors, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that is particularly important in residential spaces for the elderly. Steel frameworks provide the necessary support while complementing the contemporary design language.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the project. Incorporating renewable energy solutions like photovoltaic panels demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. These panels not only enhance the building's operational efficiency but also align with the modern focus on sustainable living practices. Additionally, the incorporation of green spaces through terraced gardens and pathways fosters a connection to nature, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

The project also features modular living units designed to adapt to a variety of needs, reflecting a keen understanding of the diverse preferences within the elderly community. From flexible apartment layouts to accessible bathrooms, each design element is thoughtfully considered to empower residents and promote their independence. This innovative approach to design encourages residents to personalize their living spaces while ensuring that functionality and accessibility remain at the forefront.

The architectural vision behind this project is rooted in the belief that elderly living should be more than just a functional arrangement; it should offer a supportive community where residents can thrive. Through careful planning and design, the project illustrates how thoughtful architecture can facilitate a more connected and fulfilling living experience.

For those interested in deeper insights into this project, aspects such as the architectural plans, architectural sections, and overall architectural designs present invaluable details that showcase the underlying design philosophy. Exploring these elements will provide a clearer understanding of the unique architectural ideas that inform this thoughtfully crafted elderly community.
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Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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