Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Terracotta Cladding and Glass Facades Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Author:
Piroska Varga
Terracotta Cladding and Glass Facades Enhance Community Living for Seniors

Project in-detail

Incorporating terracotta cladding and expansive glass facades, the design fosters a harmonious integration of natural light and communal spaces, serving as a vibrant co-living community for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with terracotta cladding to enhance thermal comfort and blend with local architecture.
02
Incorporates extensive glass facades for maximum natural light and views of landscaped areas.
03
Features communal spaces intentionally arranged to foster spontaneous resident interactions.
04
Utilizes private zones to balance individual privacy with community engagement.
05
Integrates gardens as therapeutic elements, allowing residents to actively participate in gardening.
The Agora Home project for senior co-living in Portugal stands as a thoughtful architectural endeavor designed to address the growing need for community-oriented living spaces for the elderly. This project represents a significant shift in how senior housing is conceptualized and developed, focusing on enhancing social interaction and reducing feelings of isolation among its residents. By providing a framework where individuals can thrive both socially and personally, Agora Home encompasses an innovative approach to the challenges faced by senior populations.

At its core, the project functions as a co-living community that prioritizes both the needs of individuals and the benefits of communal living. Designed specifically for seniors, the architecture promotes social connectivity through thoughtfully arranged communal spaces while also respecting the privacy and independence of individual residents. The integration of shared facilities such as lounges, activity rooms, and gardens not only encourages engagement among residents but also fosters a vibrant living atmosphere that supports an active lifestyle.

The design of Agora Home incorporates several noteworthy features that enhance its functionality and appeal. The layout is meticulously organized around a central common area that serves as a hub for activities and gatherings. This strategic placement encourages residents to interact, participate in communal events, and build relationships, thereby reducing the sense of isolation prevalent in traditional senior housing models. Additionally, the building's architectural form is designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, utilizing natural materials and incorporating green spaces to promote a connection with the outdoors.

One of the unique design approaches taken in this project is the incorporation of nature into everyday life. Gardens and outdoor areas are seamlessly integrated into the living spaces, providing residents with the therapeutic benefits of landscaping and greenery. The careful consideration of light and shadow in the architectural design ensures that living areas are bright and welcoming, which is essential for creating an inviting atmosphere. Moreover, outdoor spaces are arranged to encourage gardening activities, allowing seniors to engage in nurturing plants, which can be both fulfilling and beneficial for mental health.

In terms of architectural materials, the project is characterized by its use of terracotta tiles for exterior cladding, fostering a connection to local traditions while improving thermal comfort. The use of glass facades facilitates abundant natural light and connects indoor areas with the lush outdoor environments. Concrete elements provide structural integrity, while wooden interiors impart warmth and familiarity to the living spaces. Metal screens used for balconies add an element of privacy without fully obstructing resident access to light and air.

The layout of the building also merits examination for its innovative circulation strategies. Corridors serve as more than mere passageways; they are designed as informal meeting areas that encourage spontaneous interactions among residents. This intentional design decision reflects a deeper understanding of the social dynamics of communal living, making the movement through the space more inclusive and engaging.

Agora Home also encompasses clearly delineated zones of privacy and public use, ensuring that while residents can enjoy central communal facilities, they have their own spaces to retreat to when needed. This balance is essential in promoting both social wellbeing and personal comfort, which are paramount in a facility catering to seniors.

In summary, Agora Home in Portugal is a notable architectural project that champions community-oriented living for seniors, focusing on social interaction and emotional wellbeing. Its design prioritizes active engagement while maintaining the dignity and privacy of its residents. By integrating natural elements, creating inviting communal spaces, and thoughtful circulation, Agora Home exemplifies a sophisticated understanding of modern architectural needs for senior living. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs further, delving into the project presentation will provide a deeper insight into these innovative architectural ideas.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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