Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Lime Plaster Facade and Central Courtyard Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Author:
Kajetan Czudec
Lime Plaster Facade and Central Courtyard Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Project in-detail

Utilizing lime plaster and concrete breezeblocks, the design integrates a central courtyard that facilitates social interaction, providing a supportive environment tailored for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central courtyard promotes interaction and community among elderly residents.
02
Utilizes lime plaster for sustainable cooling and breathable wall systems.
03
Concrete breezeblocks provide insulation while allowing for natural light.
04
Accessible design features eliminate barriers for movement throughout the facility.
05
Natural landscaping integrates outdoor spaces with the building's living areas.
The Elderly Home in Barreira, Portugal, is an architectural project designed to meet the diverse needs of its elderly residents while fostering an environment conducive to community interaction and engagement. The design strategically integrates individual living spaces with communal areas, promoting independence and socialization among residents. This approach not only addresses the functional requirements of elderly living but also enhances the quality of life within the facility.

Spatial organization plays a critical role in this architecture. The project features a central courtyard that serves as the focal point, connecting various areas of the building. The residential blocks provide private accommodations, while the communal spaces, including a dining area, library, gym, and chapel, cater to the social and physical well-being of the residents. The layout prioritizes accessibility, with all areas designed to facilitate movement, ensuring that residents have equal access to both personal and shared spaces.

Design innovation is evident in the thoughtful integration of natural elements and materials. The use of lime plaster enhances the building's sustainability by allowing for natural temperature regulation. Concrete breezeblocks provide structural integrity while also promoting energy efficiency through insulation. Exposed aggregate concrete flooring combines durability with functional safety. Additionally, the incorporation of oak planks within the interior spaces contributes to a warm and inviting environment, aligning with the project's overall ethos of comfort.

A distinctive aspect of this project is its emphasis on community and nature. The central courtyard not only offers a gathering place for residents but also is designed to encourage interaction with the surrounding landscape. Gardens and outdoor green spaces are integral components, facilitating a connection between the building and the natural environment, which is vital to the residents' well-being.

Overall, the Elderly Home project represents a modern approach to elderly care, combining functional architecture with community-centric design principles. The careful consideration of materiality, spatial organization, and communal engagement sets this project apart from typical elderly living facilities. For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, examining architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain a deeper understanding of this innovative design and its implications for future projects in elderly care.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
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 17,249 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