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

Author:
Jin Li
Perforated Brick Facade Enhances Natural Light in Community-Focused Elder Care Facility

Project in-detail

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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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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