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Layered Stone Facades and Natural Light in an Accessible Retirement Community

Authors:
Ted Porter, Jamaisi Albert, Gong Chen, Noelia Linares
Layered Stone Facades and Natural Light in an Accessible Retirement Community

Project in-detail

Employing layered stone facades and extensive glass panels to enhance natural light, the design fosters accessibility and community interaction within a retirement living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered stone facades enhance thermal performance while paying homage to local quarrying traditions.
02
Extensive use of glass panels maximizes daylight and visual connection to the landscape.
03
The building layout includes multiple communal gardens designed for social interaction.
04
Accessible pathways and features are integrated throughout to support diverse mobility needs.
05
Reinforced concrete and aluminum materials ensure durability and minimal maintenance.
The Quarry is an architectural design project located in Portugal, conceived as a retirement home for the elderly. The project draws inspiration from the local environment and the historical context of marble quarrying in the region. Its design emphasizes accessibility, community interaction, and a harmonious blend with nature. The approach taken in this project aims to create a supportive living environment that nurtures both independence and social engagement among residents.

The architectural layout consists of multiple buildings strategically positioned to facilitate communal spaces while retaining private living quarters. This arrangement promotes ease of movement and interaction, enhancing the social fabric of the community. Each structure mirrors the rugged, layered forms of quarry walls, reinforcing the connection to its site. The integration of extensive green spaces, including gardens and courtyards, allows residents to engage with the natural surroundings, promoting wellness and an active lifestyle.

Innovative Design Approaches

The Quarry stands out in its unique approach to design, particularly through its emphasis on indoor-outdoor continuity. Residents enjoy dual-aspect living units that maximize natural light and provide direct access to outdoor spaces. This feature supports mental and physical well-being while maintaining privacy and comfort. The use of colored laminated panels for exterior cladding adds a contemporary touch, seamlessly blending with the traditional elements of Portuguese architecture.

The design incorporates numerous accessibility features, ensuring that all areas are navigable for residents with varying mobility needs. The building layout includes wide pathways, handrails, and strategically placed elevators, reflecting a commitment to universal design principles. This foresight in planning allows for a living environment that empowers residents and caters to their diverse needs.

Materials and Construction Details

The chosen materials reflect both durability and an aesthetic connection to the local landscape. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone of the buildings, while large glass panels enhance light penetration and visual continuity with the outdoors. Aluminum is used for window framing, providing a lightweight yet sturdy alternative. Natural stone paving in outdoor areas furthers the connection to the site, offering safe and pleasant walking surfaces.

Operable louvers enhance living spaces, allowing for natural ventilation while providing a degree of privacy. The careful selection of materials and construction techniques ensures an environmentally responsible approach to the overall design.

For a deeper insight into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of The Quarry, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This examination will offer further understanding of the architectural ideas and considerations that shape this unique retirement home.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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