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Moleanos Limestone Facade Complemented by Organic Landscaping for a Residential Community

Author:
Design Dialogue
Moleanos Limestone Facade Complemented by Organic Landscaping for a Residential Community

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced Moleanos limestone and innovative brick screening, the facility harmonizes with its landscape while providing a supportive environment for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced Moleanos limestone for durability and regional relevance.
02
Brick screening enhances privacy while promoting natural ventilation throughout the facility.
03
Flexible communal areas encourage social interaction and adaptability for diverse activities.
04
Integrated native landscaping supports local biodiversity and provides sensory experiences for residents.
05
Strategic use of natural light maximizes comfort and enhances the overall well-being of residents.

### Project Overview
Located in Portugal, the Elderly Home aims to create a supportive environment for elderly residents, promoting both their physical and mental well-being. The design integrates with the existing topography while prioritizing accessibility, natural light, and ventilation. By organizing the site across three levels, the structure fosters a connection to the natural landscape and encourages social interaction among residents.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout is designed to enhance movement and interaction, featuring an L-shaped main building that serves as a windbreak. This arrangement allows for ease of flow between communal and private spaces, which are tailored to enrich daily experiences. The middle building includes open-access rooftop areas that allow residents to engage in social activities, while stand-alone units provide privacy without detachment from the community.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and local engagement. Moleanos limestone, sourced locally, is utilized for its durability and aesthetic qualities. Brick screen panels facilitate ventilation and privacy, while wood is incorporated for its natural acoustic properties. Reinforced concrete contributes to structural integrity while supporting sustainable practices. The landscaping features native vegetation, such as Mediterranean cypress and maritime pine, enhancing biodiversity and sensory experiences for residents.

### Energy Efficiency
To optimize energy efficiency, the design focuses on solar orientation, leveraging natural light and incorporating techniques such as roof gardens to manage temperature. Open layouts and strategically placed windows enhance natural ventilation, while eco-friendly technologies, including occupancy sensors and energy-efficient appliances, minimize the ecological footprint of the facility.

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

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Competition organisers

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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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