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Natural Light and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Reinforced Concrete and Expansive Glass in an Elder Care Facility

Author:
Tamás Herczeg
Natural Light and Communal Spaces Enhanced by Reinforced Concrete and Expansive Glass in an Elder Care Facility

Project in-detail

Reinforced concrete and expansive glazing create a luminous and barrier-free environment that fosters community engagement within an elder care facility designed for comfort and independence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reinforced concrete walls enhance structural stability while minimizing maintenance.
02
Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and visual connections to outdoor gardens.
03
Barrier-free design features guide residents through accessible pathways and communal areas.
04
Community gardens incorporate therapeutic horticulture, promoting resident engagement.
05
Open-plan layouts encourage social interactions while preserving individual privacy.
Casa dos Novos Horizontes is an architectural project designed as an elder care facility located in Portugal. This project emphasizes the importance of community engagement, accessibility, and environmental integration in architectural design. The facility provides a living environment for elderly residents, combining private spaces with communal areas that foster social interaction and support daily activities.

The design functions as a practical and supportive living space, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. A focus on comfort and navigability facilitates independence while ensuring safety. The residential units are complemented by communal amenities that promote engagement, such as gardens and community rooms, allowing residents to connect with each other and the outdoors.

Design Integration and Community Focus

One of the most notable aspects of Casa dos Novos Horizontes is its integration with the surrounding landscape. The structure's design harmonizes with the natural environment, using materials that blend with the existing site. Its extensive glass windows and light wells maximize natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages outdoor activities and provides therapeutic benefits. This connection to nature is a deliberate design approach that enhances resident well-being.

The facility features community gardens that serve both aesthetic and practical functions. They encourage therapeutic horticulture, allowing residents to engage in gardening activities, which promote physical activity and mental wellness. Communal spaces are designed to be open and accessible, facilitating interactions and enhancing the communal living experience.

Innovative Spatial Organization

The spatial layout of Casa dos Novos Horizontes is another key element that distinguishes this project from typical elder care facilities. The architectural design prioritizes ease of navigation through a fluid plan that connects various areas seamlessly. Features such as a central reception area and interconnected communal spaces ensure that residents can move freely while maintaining a sense of privacy in their individual units.

The emphasis on barrier-free design ensures that all areas of the facility are accessible to residents, including those with mobility challenges. Each residential unit is designed with functionality in mind, allowing for easy movement and a safe living environment. This thoughtful organization enhances the overall experience for the residents, ultimately promoting greater independence.

For further insight into the architectural ideas and design details of Casa dos Novos Horizontes, consider exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project. Detailed examination of these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how this facility effectively addresses the needs of the elderly community while promoting a strong connection to its environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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