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Perforated Brick Facade and Accessible Spaces Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Author:
Tamás Herczeg
Perforated Brick Facade and Accessible Spaces Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Project in-detail

A perforated brick facade and natural integration with the landscape create an inviting atmosphere in a community-focused residence designed for elderly living, prioritizing accessibility and social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a perforated brick facade that enhances natural light while maintaining resident privacy.
02
Extensive community gardens are integrated into the layout, promoting outdoor activities and social engagement.
03
Accessibility features are prioritized throughout the building, including barrier-free entrances and wide corridors.
04
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed openings, reducing reliance on artificial climate control.
05
The residence is nestled within sloped terrain, seamlessly blending with the natural environment and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Casa dos Novos Horizontes is an architectural project located in Portugal that embodies a thoughtful approach to residential design catering specifically to the elderly community. This project not only serves as living quarters but also as a holistic environment that fosters community engagement and nurtures the well-being of its residents. The architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, resulting in a harmonious balance between built and natural environments.

The design philosophy behind Casa dos Novos Horizontes champions inclusivity and accessibility, recognizing the unique needs of its inhabitants. The residential units are organized to facilitate a sense of community while maintaining individual privacy. This duality is essential, as it encourages social interaction among residents—a crucial aspect of mental and emotional health, especially for the elderly. The careful spatial arrangement ensures that common areas are easily navigable, promoting interaction without overpowering personal space.

Key elements of the project include private living quarters that are spacious and barrier-free, designed with an emphasis on comfort and ease of movement. Shared spaces, such as gathering areas and community gardens, have been intentionally positioned to foster connectivity among residents. The inclusion of a chapel adds a spiritual dimension, providing a space for reflection and communal gatherings, thus enriching the social fabric of the community.

From a material perspective, the design utilizes a combination of reinforced concrete, brick, and plaster, each chosen for its durability and ability to harmonize with the aesthetic qualities of the project. The use of reinforced concrete for structural elements ensures that the building is robust, while the brick walls provide effective thermal insulation, contributing to energy efficiency. Painted plaster finishes on the facade reflect natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Unique design strategies are evident throughout the project. One of the most notable features is the facade, which incorporates perforations that allow for filtered light to permeate the interior while ensuring privacy for residents. This thoughtful design choice not only enhances the aesthetic of the building but also creates a warm, welcoming ambiance. Additionally, the architectural layout is finely tuned to integrate seamlessly with the sloping terrain, reinforcing a connection with the surrounding nature.

Sustainability is also a central theme within the project. Natural ventilation is facilitated through strategically designed openings, contributing to a comfortable indoor climate without relying heavily on artificial heating or cooling. The emphasis on maximizing natural light further reduces the need for electricity, aligning with environmentally responsible design practices.

The Casa dos Novos Horizontes stands as a testament to practical yet innovative residential architecture. It exemplifies how careful consideration of community and environmental interaction can create a nurturing habitat for elderly individuals. By exploring this project presentation, readers will uncover further details about architectural plans, sections, designs, and the underlying architectural ideas that make this project a compelling subject for discussion. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the intentions and functional outcomes of this thoughtfully crafted architectural endeavor.
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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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