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Terraced Living Spaces with Natural Wood Finishes and Community Gardens for Senior Residents

Authors:
Max Fudal, Emiliano Romero, Andrew Roche
Terraced Living Spaces with Natural Wood Finishes and Community Gardens for Senior Residents
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Combining terraced layouts with natural wood finishes and integrated community gardens creates a sustainable living environment specifically designed for senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with cross-laminated timber panels, enhancing structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a terraced layout optimizing views and natural light exposure.
04
Includes native plant gardens designed to promote local biodiversity.
05
Ensures barrier-free accessibility throughout communal and private spaces.

### Project Overview
Located in Barreira, Portugal, the residential development "A Vida Verde" is designed to meet the housing needs of an increasing elderly population. This project emphasizes sustainable age-in-place solutions while facilitating a communal living environment reminiscent of traditional Southern Portuguese villages. The intent is to integrate natural elements and light within the design, fostering both autonomy and community connection among residents.

### Nature and Light Integration
The design prioritizes the interplay of natural light and green spaces, resulting in living environments characterized by expansive windows and balconies that enhance residents' engagement with the outdoors. This connection not only offers aesthetic benefits but also contributes to the emotional and physical well-being of the elderly population. The incorporation of pathways and landscaped areas supports accessibility and encourages interaction among residents.

### Spatial Organization
The spatial layout features strategically arranged living units that maximize natural views and sunlight while responding to the site's topography. A hierarchy of open spaces has been designed to create zones for solitude, socialization, and communal gatherings. The terraced configuration mitigates environmental impact while ensuring that all units maintain access to outdoor spaces and shared gardens, promoting mobility and community cohesion.

### Material Selection
Materials chosen for "A Vida Verde" reflect local cultural values and a commitment to sustainability. The use of durable concrete provides structural integrity, while natural wood finishes create warmth in communal areas. Generous glass elements facilitate light penetration and blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The landscaping includes native plants such as Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon balm, and Borage, enhancing biodiversity and sensory engagement within the community's environment.

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Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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