Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Intergenerational Architecture for Connected Aging

Author:
Muhan Li
Intergenerational Architecture for Connected Aging

Project in-detail

Developed as a contemporary response to the evolving needs of an aging population, the project goes beyond conventional notions of elderly care by fostering social engagement, mobility, and a strong sense of belonging.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community gardens designed for intergenerational activities enhance social engagement.
02
Acoustic fabric integrated into communal spaces improves comfort and sound quality.
03
Dark concrete exterior provides durability while ensuring a modern aesthetic.
04
Universal accessibility features accommodate residents with varying mobility needs.
05
Shared kitchens promote communal dining experiences among residents and families.

Together represents a reimagined approach to elderly housing in Portugal, placing emphasis on community integration and intergenerational collaboration. The project responds to the fundamental needs of older residents while actively encouraging relationships with younger generations. It creates an environment that supports social well-being and a more active, engaged lifestyle.

A New Model for Elderly Living

The building serves a dual purpose: it is both a residence and a community hub. The layout includes living suites, shared indoor spaces, gardens, and outdoor areas—all designed to encourage mobility, accessibility, and interaction. Circulation is clear and inclusive, ensuring ease of movement for residents with varying physical abilities.

Materiality and the Architecture of Belonging

The design employs a thoughtful palette of materials that enhance both function and atmosphere. Dark concrete gives the structure a quiet solidity and a contemporary character, while aluminum window frames ensure durability with minimal upkeep. Interior finishes—such as acoustic fabric and touch-friendly wood—were selected to promote sensory comfort and a sense of warmth.

A defining aspect of the project is its prioritization of shared spaces over private ones. Communal areas are central to the design, supporting spontaneous encounters and daily socialization. This emphasis on collective living helps reduce isolation and fosters a strong sense of belonging among residents—an essential component of dignified aging.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy