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Monolithic Masonry Integration With Natural Surroundings in Elderly Care Facility

Author:
Hoanh Tran
Monolithic Masonry Integration With Natural Surroundings in Elderly Care Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing a monolithic masonry approach that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, this elderly care facility prioritizes accessibility and community within its thoughtfully designed communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Monolithic masonry construction creates a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
02
A gently sloping ramp serves as both a pathway and community plaza for residents.
03
The facility includes 20 en suite single and twin rooms, tailored for diverse living arrangements.
04
Strategic use of large windows enhances natural light while connecting interior spaces to the outdoors.
05
The design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring ease of movement throughout all communal areas.

The “Portugal Elderly Home” is a thoughtfully designed architectural project dedicated to providing a supportive and accessible living environment for senior citizens. This facility seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings while addressing the specific needs of its inhabitants. The design emphasizes ease of access and community-oriented spaces, ensuring both social interaction and comfort for residents.

The structure features several interconnected single-story buildings, each designed to facilitate mobility and create a sense of community. The layout prioritizes accessibility with a gently sloping ramp that connects various functional areas. The building spaces are organized to promote interaction while maintaining individual privacy, which is essential in a residential setting for older adults. The project includes 20 en suite single rooms and 20 en suite twin rooms to cater to different living arrangements.

The architectural approach integrates the natural landscape by employing a monolithic design that mimics the local geological formations. This design strategy not only grounds the facility in its context but also fosters an inviting atmosphere. The use of a cohesive material palette, primarily masonry, enhances the project's durability and aesthetic appeal. Large glass windows throughout the structure allow for ample natural light and unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery, further connecting residents with their environment.

Community-Centric Design Unique to the “Portugal Elderly Home” is its emphasis on communal spaces as focal points within the architectural layout. The central community plaza serves as an active hub for residents, encouraging social gatherings and activities. This design fosters a strong sense of community among residents, which is critical for their emotional well-being. Key features of the communal areas include the kitchen, dining room, library, chapel, and other multifunctional spaces that are easily accessible.

The arrangement of individual rooms around these communal zones facilitates interaction while ensuring that privacy is respected. This balance between socialization and solitude is particularly important in a setting that supports elderly individuals, many of whom may experience social isolation. The careful configuration of spaces aims to enhance quality of life while respecting individual needs.

Sustainable and Contextual Material Use The material selection plays a vital role in the overall project vision. By utilizing primarily masonry, the design achieves a durable, low-maintenance solution that aligns with the regional vernacular. Wood elements provide warmth and comfort in interior spaces, enhancing residents' experience. The project emphasizes not only aesthetic harmony with the landscape but also operational sustainability through the careful selection of long-lasting materials.

The architectural design approaches of the “Portugal Elderly Home” prioritize both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring a supportive environment for its elderly residents. The thoughtful integration of communal spaces, accessibility features, and contextual material choices make this project a model for modern elder care facilities. For further understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail.

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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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