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Sustainable Red Brick Community Spaces Enhanced by Traditional Azulejos

Authors:
Uladzislau Kastsiukevich, Tsaryk Alexander
Sustainable Red Brick Community Spaces Enhanced by Traditional Azulejos

Project in-detail

Incorporating traditional azulejos and durable red brick, this facility creates a cohesive community environment designed to support the social and wellness needs of its elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates traditional Portuguese azulejos, enhancing local cultural identity.
02
Utilizes locally sourced red brick for durability and environmental integration.
03
Features communal spaces designed to maximize natural light and interaction.
04
Incorporates accessible design elements tailored for elderly residents’ mobility needs.
05
Landscaped gardens specifically designed for therapeutic and recreational purposes.

# Analytical Report on the Portugal Elderly Home Architectural Design Project

## Overview
The Portugal Elderly Home is positioned in Barreira, Leiria, an area notable for its agricultural heritage and natural landscape. The design aims to create a supportive living environment for the elderly that reflects both traditional Portuguese architectural styles and contemporary functional needs. The facility seeks to foster social interaction among residents while maintaining a strong connection to the local culture.

## Spatial Organization and Accessibility
The interior layout is designed for optimal movement and accessibility, featuring various residential spaces with en-suite rooms tailored to meet a range of needs. Communal areas, including dining rooms, recreational spaces, and therapy rooms, are strategically placed to encourage socialization among residents. Accessibility features such as ramps, elevators, and wide doorways are integrated to comply with modern elder care standards, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

## Material Choices and Environmental Integration
The architectural approach emphasizes the use of local materials to strengthen regional identity. The predominant use of red brick combined with ceramic tiles (azulejos) not only enhances the aesthetics but also pays homage to cultural traditions. Large glass openings facilitate natural light, creating a connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. The design incorporates green roofs and energy-efficient systems, promoting sustainability while addressing environmental concerns. Ample gardens and pathways are designed to invite residents to engage with nature, enhancing their overall well-being.

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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
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