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Limestone and Glass Wellness Facility Emphasizing Communal Living in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Martin Szumilas
Limestone and Glass Wellness Facility Emphasizing Communal Living in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with a combination of limestone and extensive glass facades, the facility integrates sustainable features and accessible communal spaces to serve as a wellness center for the elderly within a thoughtfully designed landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a unique combination of limestone and glass for optimal natural lighting.
02
Features inclusive communal spaces designed to promote social interaction among residents.
03
Incorporates green roofs for improved thermal regulation and rainwater management.
04
Utilizes reinforced concrete structure for durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with accessibility as a core principle, ensuring ease of movement throughout the facility.

The elderly home located in Barreira is designed to facilitate comfortable living for senior residents while fostering community interaction. The project integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape, which informs its architectural approach. Its configuration prioritizes functionality, accessibility, and social engagement—essential components for modern eldercare facilities.

Design Functionality and Environment The architectural design effectively addresses the needs of its users, facilitating independent living while simultaneously providing communal spaces for social interaction. The building incorporates private rooms and shared areas, such as dining facilities and recreational spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Accessibility is a core consideration; thoughtful ramp placements and layouts ensure residents can navigate the environment without barriers.

The integration of various materials—reinforced concrete for structural integrity, limestone for warmth, and glass for maximizing natural light—contributes to the project’s aim of merging comfort with functionality. Notably, the building’s orientation is purposeful, designed to harness natural light while offering views of the surrounding environment, thus ensuring a connection to nature despite the indoor setting.

Design Innovations and Community Focus What distinguishes this elderly home from similar projects is its strong emphasis on communal living and social connectivity. The project not only provides individual accommodations but also encourages residents to engage in community activities. By incorporating landscaped gardens and outdoor seating areas, the design promotes a lifestyle that counters isolation, a common issue in eldercare facilities.

The use of sustainable practices is apparent throughout the design; features such as heat pump systems for energy management and green roofs that assist with thermal regulation demonstrate a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The landscape design, rich with vegetation, not only enhances aesthetics but also serves ecological purposes by managing rainwater effectively.

Community and Functionality The architectural layout further supports community-building efforts. Spaces designated for therapy, social gatherings, and recreational activities are strategically placed to foster interaction among residents. This approach culminates in a living environment that not only accommodates the physical needs of seniors but also nurtures their emotional and social well-being.

For those interested in exploring architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas related to this elderly home in Barreira, an in-depth look at the project presentation is encouraged. This examination offers valuable insights into the thoughtful design strategies and material choices that contribute to creating a welcoming and functional living space for seniors.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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