Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Mud Brick Facade and Communal Gardens Enhance Senior Living Experience in Eco-Friendly Facility

Authors:
Oskar Stare, Julius Andersson
Mud Brick Facade and Communal Gardens Enhance Senior Living Experience in Eco-Friendly Facility

Project in-detail

Integrating a mud brick facade with lush communal gardens, the design prioritizes accessibility and natural light, creating a supportive environment tailored for senior living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building utilizes a mud brick facade that enhances thermal performance and reduces environmental impact.
02
Accessible gardens are designed to promote interaction and well-being among residents, fostering a sense of community.
03
Natural light is maximized through large windows, creating bright, inviting spaces throughout the facility.
04
Wood from local sources is integrated into the design, emphasizing regional character and sustainability.
05
The layout includes an adaptable staircase to accommodate varying mobility needs, ensuring ease of movement for all residents.
Casa do Planalto is an exemplary architectural project located in Portugal, designed as a senior living facility that prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and a deep connection to its natural surroundings. This project embodies a modern approach to architecture while respecting traditional building methods, creating a space that serves both functionally and aesthetically. The design fundamentally represents a fresh perspective on senior living, where architecture facilitates not only the inhabitants' daily routines but also their social interactions and integration with nature.

One of the primary functions of Casa do Planalto is to provide a safe and inviting environment for seniors that encourages independence while fostering community ties. The thoughtful layout distributes residential units along with shared communal areas, thereby promoting interaction among residents. This is a key consideration, as the design acknowledges the social aspect of living in a shared environment. By situating these common spaces on the first floor and carefully integrating private and communal areas, the project supports both solitude and social engagement, catering to the varying needs of its residents.

The architectural design of Casa do Planalto features a four-story structure, with a deliberate configuration that facilitates accessibility throughout the building. Incorporating elements such as a gently inclined staircase allows for smooth movement between levels, essential for seniors who may have mobility challenges. This focus on accessibility is further underscored by the generous use of windows that invite natural light into the interior spaces, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

The project employs a variety of materials that not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also promote sustainability. The use of mud bricks is notable, as this traditional building material offers excellent thermal insulation and is environmentally friendly. Complemented by wood, concrete, and efficient insulation materials, the structure is designed to minimize its environmental impact while also ensuring durability. The careful selection of these materials allows Casa do Planalto to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, reflecting regional architectural characteristics while also embracing modern building techniques.

A unique aspect of this design lies in its strong emphasis on the relationship between the built environment and nature. Casa do Planalto is surrounded by gardens and outdoor patios, creating inviting spaces for residents to enjoy fresh air and tranquility. This connection to the outdoors serves multiple purposes: it encourages an active lifestyle, enhances mental well-being, and fosters a sense of community among residents. The inclusion of these outdoor areas is not only practical but also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of nature in the architectural design of living spaces.

Moreover, the Casa do Planalto highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into architectural practice. By utilizing local materials and promoting energy efficiency, the project addresses modern environmental concerns while providing a model for future developments in the field. This commitment to sustainability is further exemplified in the incorporation of renewable energy sources, which can provide for the facility's operational needs.

In summary, Casa do Planalto exemplifies a modern architectural approach tailored to the needs of senior residents. Its focus on accessibility, community interaction, and connection to the natural landscape demonstrates a thoughtful response to contemporary living challenges. The design successfully incorporates traditional materials and techniques while addressing environmental priorities, showcasing a blend of local heritage and modernity. For those interested in exploring this project further, examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into its thoughtful design approach and the core ideas driving its development.
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 16544 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