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Terracotta-Clad Community Hub Enhanced by Natural Light and Accessible Design

Author:
Dawnielle Castledine
Terracotta-Clad Community Hub Enhanced by Natural Light and Accessible Design

Project in-detail

Crafted with terracotta cladding and abundant natural light, the design facilitates accessible living for elderly residents while promoting community interaction through thoughtfully arranged communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terracotta cladding enhances thermal performance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Multi-level layout utilizes the natural topography, minimizing site disruption.
03
Central courtyards are designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
04
Inclusive design features adaptable living units for varying levels of mobility.
05
Abundant glazing maximizes natural light and views throughout the facility.

## Project Overview

House in the Hill is situated in Leiria, Portugal, and focuses on creating a supportive living environment for elderly residents. The design prioritizes connections with nature and communal spaces that facilitate social interaction, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants through thoughtful architectural solutions.

## Spatial Design and Community Integration

The layout employs a multi-level design that adapts to the hilly terrain, minimizing land disturbance while enhancing the natural landscape. Buildings are arranged in clusters around central courtyards, encouraging social engagement while offering individual privacy. These communal areas are equipped with furniture to support various activities, fostering a sense of community among residents. Additionally, the organization of residential units—ranging from standard to accessible—allows for a flexible living experience that promotes neighborly interaction while accommodating personal retreat.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices contribute to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. Concrete is utilized for structural elements to ensure durability, while wood accents in decking and cladding enhance warmth and foster a connection to the natural environment. Large glass openings maximize natural light and facilitate transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, further integrating the residents with their surroundings. Terracotta tiles offer a comfortable walking surface that aligns with regional architectural traditions, and metal railings maintain safety without obstructing views. These materials collectively support a sustainable approach focused on durability and harmony with nature.

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

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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