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Geothermal Clay Walls and Natural Light Spaces in a Supportive Senior Living Community

Authors:
Helene Brehl, Julianne Burdis, Hope Codiga
Geothermal Clay Walls and Natural Light Spaces in a Supportive Senior Living Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating geothermal clay walls and expansive glass elements, the design fosters a seamless connection with nature while providing a supportive environment for senior living through accessible shared spaces and communal gardens.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geothermal clay walls enhance thermal regulation and energy efficiency.
02
The design features large glass panels for optimal natural light.
03
Accessible pathways encourage movement and social interaction.
04
Communal gardens promote biodiversity and resident engagement.
05
Native plant landscaping integrates the building into its environment.

### Analytical Report on Aldeia Florada: A Home for the Elderly

**General Overview**

Aldeia Florada is situated in an environment conducive to community-oriented living aimed at the elderly population. The project focuses on creating a supportive atmosphere that fosters interpersonal connections and interactions with nature. The design emphasizes the integration of communal spaces that encourage social engagement while addressing the unique needs of older residents through thoughtful spatial organization and accessibility features.

**Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement**

The layout of Aldeia Florada is organized across multiple levels, ensuring that individual living units are interspersed with communal areas and gardens. The middle level incorporates living units arranged around shared courtyards, promoting interaction through strategically placed large windows that enhance natural light and outdoor engagement. Both the upper and lower floors maintain this theme with direct outdoor access from bedrooms and common spaces such as libraries and dining areas. Designed pathways facilitate navigation, connecting various communal facilities while allowing residents to explore their surroundings comfortably.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The selection of materials in Aldeia Florada underscores both functional efficiency and aesthetic warmth. Geothermal clay cladding is used to optimize thermal comfort and energy efficiency, while wood contributes a natural aesthetic through structural supports and lattice screens. Durable stone tiles are incorporated in pathways and communal areas for maintenance ease. The extensive use of glass in windows and sliding doors not only increases natural illumination but also enhances connectivity with the outdoor environment. The project's sustainable practices include the incorporation of native plants within its gardens, thereby promoting biodiversity and ecological balance, which are essential for supporting the well-being of the residents.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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