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Natural Light Spaces Created with Corten Steel and Limestone for Senior Living

Authors:
Josep maria Mallarach molina, Marta Perramon Torrents, Alba Reig Llamas
Natural Light Spaces Created with Corten Steel and Limestone for Senior Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathering steel and limestone, the design integrates therapeutic gardens and multipurpose communal spaces, creating an environment that enhances the well-being of its elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathering steel, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Therapeutic gardens designed to promote resident engagement and well-being.
03
Multifunctional communal spaces allow for versatile uses and social interaction.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategic positioning of windows and skylights.
05
Accessible pathways ensure mobility and connectivity throughout the facility.

**Overview**
Located in Portugal, the Feixes Elderly Home addresses the challenges associated with urban migration and the increasing demand for elderly care facilities. The design intent is to enhance the quality of life for residents through a thoughtful integration of nature and community-oriented spaces. The architectural approach emphasizes biophilia, creating environments that foster social interaction and a sense of belonging among the elderly.

**Spatial Configuration and Circulation**
The spatial arrangement of the Feixes Elderly Home is designed with careful consideration of accessibility and comfort, crucial for elderly residents. The layout consists of distinct zones, including private living areas and communal gathering spaces, with a circulation scheme that connects various sections through a meandering pathway. This promenade not only facilitates movement but also encourages interaction among residents. The positioning of communal areas is optimized to minimize barriers and promote ease of access.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
Sustainability is a key consideration in the choice of materials for the Feixes Elderly Home. The project utilizes limestone for its durability and harmonious integration with the natural landscape, while plywood adds warmth to interior spaces. Concrete provides structural stability, and terrazzo enhances the aesthetic quality of flooring in communal areas. Outdoor fixtures are constructed from corten steel to withstand weather conditions, and plaster finishes create a clean, inviting environment. This diverse material palette not only supports sustainable practices but also enhances the sensory experience, connecting residents with their surroundings.

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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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