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Terracotta Facades and Teak Interiors Defining Senior Living Through Cultural Resonance

Authors:
Aya Maharani, Claudia Ivana Roulina Wijaya , Ramadhoni Dwi Payana , Syarif Hidayatullah
Terracotta Facades and Teak Interiors Defining Senior Living Through Cultural Resonance

Project in-detail

Utilizing traditional Joglo roof forms and local teak, the facility enhances community engagement through carefully designed interactive spaces aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modern interpretation of the traditional Joglo roof to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Incorporates local teak wood for structural elements, promoting regional craftsmanship.
03
Features community gardens designed to encourage resident interaction and wellbeing.
04
Employs roster brick for passive cooling and improved air circulation throughout the building.
05
Integrates accessible pathways to ensure mobility for all residents within the facility.

Omah Harsa is an architectural project designed as a senior living facility located in Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia. Its primary objective is to cater to the growing elderly population while fostering a supportive community environment. The architecture synthesizes traditional Javanese elements with contemporary design to create a comfortable and familiar space for residents.

The facility emphasizes a community-oriented approach, countering the isolation often experienced in senior living environments. Omah Harsa combines cultural values with modern amenities, providing groundwork for social interaction and physical well-being. Crucially, the design adheres to the principles of accessibility and safety, essential in spaces intended for older adults.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Architectural Elements

One of the distinguishing features of Omah Harsa is its interpretation of the Joglo roof style, a traditional Javanese architectural form known for its unique structure that promotes ventilation and natural light. The modern adaptation of the Joglo roof enhances the aesthetic and functional quality of the building. The incorporation of skylights is a deliberate design decision aimed at maximizing natural illumination and promoting energy efficiency.

The project employs local materials throughout, including clay roof tiles, teak wood, roster bricks, terra cotta tiles, and concrete. These materials not only contribute to the facility's structural integrity but also resonate with the cultural landscape of East Java, reinforcing a sense of place. By selecting these materials, the design team ensures durability while maintaining a natural warmth that is essential for creating inviting living spaces for residents.

Community-Centric Design and Spatial Organization

The spatial organization of Omah Harsa is carefully planned to facilitate interaction among residents while ensuring areas of privacy. Communal spaces, such as gardens and activity zones, are strategically located to encourage social engagement while allowing residents the option for solitary retreat. Activity zones accommodate a variety of pursuits, supporting both physical activities and cultural practices integral to the community's way of life.

Health and wellness also play a crucial role in the design. On-site amenities are seamlessly integrated to provide essential services, promoting physical well-being among residents. The layout respects mobility considerations critical for an aging population, ensuring that pathways and access points are designed for easy navigation.

Omah Harsa exemplifies thoughtful architecture where design solutions are directly informed by both cultural heritage and modern needs. This project serves as a reference for future developments in senior living, demonstrating how architectural choices can meaningfully enhance the quality of life for residents. To learn more about the architectural plans, sections, and specific designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for additional insights into this innovative project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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