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Senior Living Community Featuring Rammed Earth and Expansive Glass Facades

Authors:
Viktoria Pancheva, Teodora Gencheva
Senior Living Community Featuring Rammed Earth and Expansive Glass Facades

Project in-detail

This thoughtfully designed senior living community seamlessly integrates rammed earth construction and expansive glass facades within a central courtyard, promoting a harmonious connection with nature while prioritizing comfort and accessibility for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The use of rammed earth walls not only enhances thermal insulation but also provides a seamless blend with the surrounding landscape.
02
The central courtyard is designed as a multifunctional space that includes community gardening areas, promoting both ecology and social interaction among residents.
03
Expansive glass facades optimize natural light and panoramic views, fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor environments throughout the day.
04
Adaptable floor levels are incorporated into the design to accommodate varying mobility needs, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
05
The project includes sustainable landscaping elements that use native plants to support local biodiversity and reduce maintenance requirements.
The project represents a thoughtful approach to residential architecture designed specifically for elderly residents, emphasizing community, comfort, and a connection to nature. This dwelling, referred to as Casa do Morro, integrates the surrounding landscape into its architectural framework, providing an inviting environment that encourages social interaction among its inhabitants.

Casa do Morro functions not merely as a living space but as a supportive community hub tailored to the needs of older adults. The design prioritizes accessibility and well-being, making provisions for communal areas where residents can gather, share activities, and participate in social programs. These features contribute to a nurturing atmosphere, promoting a sense of belonging and security.

Key components of this architectural design include the central courtyard, which acts as the heart of the project. This outdoor space fosters interaction and provides residents with opportunities for gardening and other outdoor activities. The layout ensures that various functions—such as dining, therapy, and leisure—are grouped conveniently, enhancing the ease of movement between spaces.

The design incorporates various materials to create a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. Rammed earth serves as a primary structural element, providing natural thermal insulation while establishing a connection to the terrain. Large glass facades are prevalent throughout the structure, allowing for abundant natural light and ensuring that residents maintain a visual bond with the exterior environment. The use of wood in details such as window frames adds warmth, making the interior spaces feel inviting and homey.

In terms of spatial organization, multiple levels are strategically designed to adapt to the hilly topography of the site. This results in differentiated views and experiences within the building, enhancing the overall quality of living for residents. The upper levels feature communal facilities while the ground level includes essential services such as kitchens and dining areas, seamlessly connecting with the courtyard.

Unique design approaches evident in Casa do Morro include the emphasis on sustainability and wellness. By blending indoor and outdoor spaces, the project acknowledges the importance of nature in promoting mental and physical health. The courtyard not only serves aesthetic purposes but also plays an essential role in the residents' daily routines. This design choice signifies the intentional blending of architecture with biophilic principles, creating an environment that nurtures and rejuvenates.

As you seek to understand more about this thoughtful architectural design, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs presented. These elements will provide deeper insights into how each aspect of the Casa do Morro contributes to its overall function and character. The project stands as a noteworthy example of how architecture can cater to specific demographics while fostering a strong sense of community. Discover more about this project to fully appreciate its architectural ideas and the careful considerations that shaped its development.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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