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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
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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.

### Overview
The FÓRUM SÉNIOR Nursing Home is strategically located in a sloping plot within Portugal's mountainous region, designed to provide a supportive environment for elderly residents. The architectural intent emphasizes comfort and high-quality care while adapting to the natural contours of the site. This design approach turns terrain challenges into opportunities, enhancing the overall experience for its users.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement
The layout features a multi-level arrangement that balances communal areas with private spaces. Essential amenities, including a restaurant, chapel, and activity rooms, are integrated throughout to promote accessibility and social interaction among residents. An open-plan design in communal areas facilitates movement and encourages connection, fostering a sense of community within the facility.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and visual harmony with the surrounding landscape. Concrete provides structural durability, while wood creates warmth in interior features. Expansive glass windows enhance natural light and connect residents to the outdoors, complemented by green facades that integrate vegetation and improve thermal comfort. Natural stone is employed in flooring to enhance sensory appeal and unify with the site’s aesthetic.

### Interior and Exterior Integration
Interiors are designed with spaciousness and light, featuring large windows that bring in natural illumination. The decor incorporates local textures and patterns, enriching the cultural connection for residents. The external landscape includes gardens and terraces, encouraging interaction while providing therapeutic environments conducive to gardening and social activities. The emphasis on views and natural lighting not only facilitates well-being but also aligns with the building’s integration into its mountainous surroundings.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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