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Rotatable Wooden Panels and Natural Light Shape a Community-Centric Elderly Residence

Authors:
Pablo Garza, Stephania Sosa
Rotatable Wooden Panels and Natural Light Shape a Community-Centric Elderly Residence
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With its rotatable wooden panels and abundant natural light, the design fosters a dynamic and engaging environment for residents, creating a supportive elderly living community that prioritizes accessibility and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotatable wooden panels enable residents to customize their privacy and light exposure.
02
Circular layout promotes equal access to communal spaces and essential services.
03
Extensive use of glass enhances natural light and connection to outdoor areas.
04
Community garden integrates native plants to support ecological harmony.
05
On-site health services enhance accessibility while maintaining a residential atmosphere.

### Project Overview

Eden Care, located in the Leiria district of Portugal, is an architectural venture focused on the development of a residence for the elderly that emphasizes comfort, community support, and enhanced living conditions for senior citizens. The design prioritizes the dignity and fulfillment of its residents, facilitating a lifestyle that promotes social interaction and personal well-being.

### Layout and Spatial Organization

The building is structured across two levels: a ground floor that accommodates communal areas and a basement designed for operational support services. A circular core serves as the central hub, from which amenities radiate, ensuring equitable access for all residents. Individual living quarters consist of both single suites and twin accommodations, thoughtfully sized to balance personal space with opportunities for social engagement. Each room is equipped with rotatable wooden panels, allowing residents to adjust their environment for privacy or natural light.

### Materiality and Innovation

The material selection reflects a modern architectural vision while respecting the cultural context of Portugal. Wood is integrated into interior panels to evoke warmth in communal spaces, while extensive use of glass ensures ample natural light, essential for residents’ mental and physical health. Concrete provides structural stability and allows for minimalist design choices, complemented by the inclusion of steel in the framing for durability. Outdoor areas utilize native plants to foster a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment. Moreover, strategic skylights enhance interior illumination, and the incorporation of green spaces offers residents direct connections to nature, supporting their overall quality of life.

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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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