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Natural Stone and Green Facades in a Terraced Community Care Facility

Authors:
Naomi Filipowicz, Zuzanna Dąbkowska, Jowita Grabowska
Natural Stone and Green Facades in a Terraced Community Care Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating terraced green facades and local stone, the design emphasizes accessibility and community interaction, serving as a dedicated nursing home for elderly residents in a mountainous environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced design maximizes views and accessibility across multiple levels.
02
Green facades integrate native vegetation to enhance biodiversity.
03
Local stone finishes create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
Ample natural light is achieved through strategically placed large windows.
05
Community spaces encourage social interaction among elderly residents.
The FÓRUM SÉNIOR Nursing Home project is designed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for elderly residents in a mountainous region of Portugal. The architectural concept prioritizes accessibility, comfort, and community interaction, directly addressing the needs of an aging population. By integrating seamlessly with the natural surroundings, this project exemplifies a response to both functional and aesthetic requirements typical within contemporary elder care facilities.

Design Approach and Functionality

The architectural design of FÓRUM SÉNIOR focuses on the use of natural materials and spaces that encourage social interaction. The nursing home is organized over multiple levels, creating a terraced effect that maximizes accessibility while providing residents with expansive views of the landscape. Notable areas within the facility include communal spaces such as a restaurant, activity rooms, and a chapel, designed to enhance socialization among residents. Private living quarters are optimized for comfort and ease of movement, featuring ample natural light from large windows.

Unique design features include green facades that not only contribute to the aesthetic quality of the building but also improve energy efficiency and support local biodiversity. The integration of landscaped gardens offers therapeutic outdoor spaces, allowing for gardening and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being. The design incorporates principles of universal accessibility, ensuring ease of navigation for all residents.

Architectural Materials and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a critical role in the project’s overall performance and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include concrete for structural stability, wood for warmth in interior elements, and glass for enhanced natural illumination and visual connection to outdoor spaces. Natural stone is utilized in finishes to provide a tactile quality that resonates with the regional context. The use of sustainable materials reflects an obligation to environmental considerations, aligning the project with modern sustainability standards.

The architectural design employs advanced energy-efficient strategies to reduce the building's ecological footprint. Techniques such as passive solar design principles and the incorporation of vegetation into the facade ensure that the facility operates efficiently while enhancing the living environment for its residents.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project further, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements are available for review. Insight into the architectural ideas and design methodologies can provide a deeper appreciation of how FÓRUM SÉNIOR stands out in the field of elder care architecture.
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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
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