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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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