Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Terracotta Accents And Exposed Concrete In A Community-Centric Senior Housing Solution

Author:
Murat Gedik
Terracotta Accents And Exposed Concrete In A Community-Centric Senior Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Constructed with exposed concrete and vibrant terracotta hues, the architectural solution redefines senior living by integrating communal gardens and accessible design elements, fostering a supportive environment for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exposed concrete and terracotta elements create a durable and visually engaging façade.
02
Community garden is designed to enhance social interaction among residents.
03
Split-level layout optimizes natural light and views across the site.
04
High-performance glazing ensures energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
Integrated rainwater collection systems support sustainable landscaping.

## Project Overview
The elderly home located in Portugal is designed to meet contemporary standards of accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. Situated in a thoughtfully selected area, the structure addresses the specific needs of elderly residents while fostering an environment conducive to social interaction and well-being.

## Spatial Strategy
The design is influenced by the site's natural topography, featuring a split-level arrangement that adapts to the 0.91-meter elevation difference. This layout consists of a single-story section alongside a two-story block, providing diverse living options while ensuring privacy and serenity. The arrangement of communal and private areas facilitates a sense of community, with accommodations designed for both single and twin occupancy. Strategic setbacks from the road enhance the residents' sense of security and tranquility.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection reflects the regional vernacular while integrating modern design elements. Exposed concrete forms the structural backbone, offering durability and a contemporary aesthetic, while brick surfaces contribute warmth and texture to communal areas. Sustainable features include green roofs for rainwater management, high-performance glazing for thermal efficiency, and strategically placed solar panels to harness renewable energy. Complementing this, rainwater collection systems further underscore a commitment to ecological integrity, enhancing the occupants' quality of life.

### Unique Features
Integrative design elements include a community garden and water features that promote social interaction and connect residents to nature. Additional design considerations optimize views from both common spaces and private suites, enhancing the living experience through visual access to the surrounding landscape. The building's functional layout includes communal dining and activity areas on the ground floor, with private suites on the upper levels, each designed for ease of navigation and comfort, ensuring that residents' needs are prioritized.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy