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Natural Light Filtering Through Clay Tiles in a Senior Community Integrated with Therapeutic Spaces

Authors:
Radek Jakes, Inga Brückner, KONTEXT ARCHITEKTEN
Natural Light Filtering Through Clay Tiles in a Senior Community Integrated with Therapeutic Spaces

Project in-detail

With its warm red clay tiles and thoughtfully arranged green corridors, the design creates a unique community living experience that fosters social interaction and well-being for active elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a communal square at its center to encourage social interaction among residents.
02
Incorporates extensive green corridors that enhance mobility and access between shared spaces.
03
Utilizes locally sourced red clay tiles to reflect the regional architectural context.
04
Features large glass windows to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
05
Includes dedicated therapeutic spaces that promote health and wellness for active elderly residents.
The ALDEIAZINHA Residence is an innovative architectural project designed with a focus on providing a supportive living environment for active elderly individuals. Situated within a serene landscape, it embodies a concept centered around community living while prioritizing the autonomy and privacy of its residents. The project emerges as a thoughtful response to the growing need for accommodation solutions that cater specifically to an aging population, fostering a sense of belonging and interaction amongst residents and the surrounding community.

In essence, the ALDEIAZINHA Residence represents a cohesive blend of modern architectural principles and community-based design strategies. Its primary function is to create a vibrant living space where elderly individuals can thrive, maintaining an active lifestyle in a secure environment. The thoughtful layout encompasses a variety of residential units and communal facilities, including dining areas, therapy spaces, and a chapel, all seamlessly integrated to encourage social engagement and personal well-being.

The spatial organization of the project is particularly noteworthy, illustrating a deliberate division of areas that promotes both community interaction and individual privacy. The residential units are situated in proximity to shared spaces, ensuring residents have easy access to communal resources while still feeling at home in their private quarters. Designed around an urban square, this project introduces smaller, interconnected zones that facilitate social activities, allowing elderly residents to engage with each other and the wider community easily.

Material selection enhances the project's character and functionality. Red clay tiles form the roofing, not only offering aesthetic warmth but also reflecting traditional building practices that harmonize with the local context. Large glass windows invite ample natural light into the living spaces, providing residents with views of the lush landscape and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Concrete is utilized for structural reliability, with exposed finishes contributing an understated modernity to the overall design. Wood is incorporated into interior finishes, bringing a homely, tactile quality to common areas and personal spaces alike.

Unique design approaches within the ALDEIAZINHA are evident throughout the project. By incorporating green corridors and gardens, the design nurtures a strong relationship between built and unbuilt environments, enabling residents to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The project’s configuration, which includes multi-level facilities, maximizes the site’s natural topography while giving thoughtful consideration to accessibility for elderly individuals. This eco-conscious design approach manifests itself through natural light optimization, water management systems in the gardens, and the use of locally sourced materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

Integration with the local community is another crucial aspect of this project. The design encourages interaction between residents and the surrounding village, promoting inclusivity through communal spaces where local inhabitants are welcomed. The ability to host activities and gatherings reinforces bonds within the community, ensuring that the elderly do not experience isolation but, rather, are engaged in a vibrant social fabric.

As you explore the ALDEIAZINHA Residence further, consider delving into the architectural plans, sections, and designs to appreciate the detailed thought processes and ideas that underpin this project. Understanding the nuances of its design can offer valuable insights into how architecture can effectively respond to the needs of an aging population, all while fostering community connection and individual well-being.
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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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