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Perforated Brick Facade Enhances Natural Light in Community-Focused Elder Care Facility

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Perforated Brick Facade Enhances Natural Light in Community-Focused Elder Care Facility
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A perforated brick facade allows for optimal natural light and ventilation, creating an inviting environment in a community-oriented elder care facility designed to foster social interaction and personal privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated brick facade enhances natural light and air circulation throughout the building.
02
Therapeutic gardens integrated into communal spaces foster resident well-being and social interaction.
03
Private living quarters designed with adaptability to meet individual resident needs and preferences.
04
Flexible communal areas support various activities and events, encouraging community engagement.
05
Strategic use of traditional materials roots the design in cultural significance while promoting sustainability.

### Overview

Located in the Ouhai District of Nanchang, China, the project addresses the unique challenges faced by the growing elderly population, particularly the separation from family support systems. The design aims to redefine eldercare by integrating principles of community, spirituality, and accessibility, creating a space that not only functions as a healthcare facility but also serves as a supportive environment for individuals in their later years.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The spatial layout is strategically designed to foster interaction and community living. The ground floor features an open entrance that encourages social interaction among residents and visitors. This level includes communal areas as well as private spaces, such as lounges and activity rooms, to accommodate a variety of resident needs. The second floor offers a more personal environment, with living quarters that prioritize privacy while allowing for individual expression.

To enhance the overall experience, careful attention was given to thermal comfort through passive design strategies, as illustrated in the thermal dispersion diagram. The layout seeks to balance social connectivity with the need for personal space, catering to the diverse lifestyles of the elderly.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic

Materiality plays a significant role in the project's aesthetic and functional qualities. The primary use of red-fired brick not only conveys a sense of tradition and durability but also features a perforated design that facilitates natural light and airflow within the building. Interior finishes in wood contribute to a calming atmosphere, which is critical for supportive environments in elderly care.

Glass elements are incorporated in communal spaces to maximize daylight exposure, effectively bridging the interior with the outdoor setting. Natural stone used in the landscaping adds texture and creates a serene environment conducive to relaxation. This thoughtful material selection underscores the project's commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere that respects both cultural heritage and modern living standards.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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