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Healing Landscapes Enhanced by Acoustic Fabric in Modern Community Living

Author:
Muhan Li
Healing Landscapes Enhanced by Acoustic Fabric in Modern Community Living

Project in-detail

Combining dark concrete and acoustic fabric, this community-focused elderly home integrates therapeutic gardens and shared kitchens to foster intergenerational connections and enhance the living experience for residents.
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.
The architectural project "Together" represents a new model for elderly housing in Portugal, emphasizing community integration and intergenerational collaboration. This design addresses the essential needs of elderly residents while fostering relationships with younger generations, creating an environment conducive to social well-being and active living. The project features key architectural elements that include living suites, communal spaces, gardens, and outdoor areas, all designed to promote interaction.

The function of the elderly home is multifaceted; it serves as a residential area while also functioning as a community hub. The layout encourages mobility and accessibility, ensuring that all areas are navigable for residents with varying physical capabilities. Integrating spaces for communal dining, activities, and outdoor gardening into the design offers opportunities for engagement and interaction, vital for enhancing the quality of life for residents.

In the architectural design, notable parts include:

- **Entrance and Service Areas**: These areas are designed for functionality, ensuring easy access for visitors and necessary services.
- **Kids’ Room**: This unique aspect allows for activities that involve children, fostering relationships between young and old through shared experiences.
- **Community Gardens**: These serve not only as recreational areas but also as spaces for therapeutic gardening, cultivating a sense of responsibility and connection to nature.

The design incorporates various materials to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Dark concrete provides structural strength while contributing to a modern design aesthetic. The use of aluminum in window frames ensures durability and low maintenance. Acoustic fabric and touch-friendly wood enhance comfort and promote positive sensory experiences. The combination of these materials reflects a contemporary approach to elderly housing within a cultural context, respecting local architectural styles.

One of the key design approaches in this project is the integration of outdoor and indoor spaces, blurring the boundaries between the two. This design strategy supports residents' physical and mental health by promoting access to nature and outdoor activities. Terraces and gardens play a significant role in this aspect, offering settings for relaxation and socialization.

Another unique characteristic of this project is its emphasis on communal living. By prioritizing shared spaces over private ones, the design encourages community interactions and combats feelings of isolation, which can often accompany elderly living situations. This focus on collective areas is fundamental in fostering a sense of belonging and community among residents.

The architectural plans and sections provide a comprehensive view of the layout and functionality of the living spaces. The organization of the residential units enhances privacy while maintaining connections to communal spaces, ensuring a balanced living environment. For those interested in the specific architectural designs and ideas, exploring the accompanying presentations will yield deeper insights into the innovative aspects of this project. Review the architectural plans, sections, and design features to understand how "Together" redefines elderly living in a contemporary architectural context.
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Enter an open architecture
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The Architect’s 
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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