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Terracotta Roofs and Landscaped Commons in a Community-Oriented Residence for Seniors

Authors:
Radek Jakes, Inga Brückner, KONTEXT ARCHITEKTEN
Terracotta Roofs and Landscaped Commons in a Community-Oriented Residence for Seniors

Project in-detail

Constructed with terracotta roofs and enhanced by landscaped common areas, the residence focuses on creating a supportive community environment specifically designed for elderly individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with sustainable terracotta roofing to enhance local climate resilience.
02
Integrates extensive landscaped courtyards designed for social interaction.
03
Features universal design principles for accessibility throughout the site.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to connect the building to its surrounding environment.
05
Includes dedicated communal spaces promoting health and wellness activities.

### Architectural Design Report: Aldeiazinha Residence

#### Overview
Located in a rural setting, the Aldeiazinha Residence is designed to support the active lifestyles of elderly individuals, emphasizing a community-oriented atmosphere. The intent is to create a living environment that promotes social interaction while respecting the autonomy of residents. This design reflects a commitment to fostering connectedness both among the residents and with their surroundings, creating a modern interpretation of village life.

#### Spatial Configuration
The site layout is thoughtfully organized to encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging. Buildings are arranged to form distinct areas, connecting private and public realms through landscaped paths and communal spaces. Central to the plan is an urban square that serves as a multifunctional hub for community activities, cultural programs, and social gatherings. Adjacent green areas, including courtyards and gardens, provide serene environments that promote both personal reflection and community engagement.

- **Community Facilities:** The integration of a library, gathering rooms, and dining facilities enhances opportunities for residents to participate in communal life, while therapy and nursing rooms ensure accessible healthcare.

#### Material and Sustainability Considerations
The design incorporates a range of materials chosen for their durability, aesthetic qualities, and alignment with local architectural traditions. Concrete structures provide necessary stability, while wood accents introduce warmth and texture to the interiors. Large glazed facades allow natural light to penetrate deep into living spaces, reinforcing the connection with the outdoor environment.

- **Environmental Integration:** The use of terracotta for roofing and accents resonates with local cultural practices, while stone and gravel pathways serve both functional and aesthetic purposes in the landscaping. Sustainable practices are further promoted through the use of native plant selections, which enhance the site's ecological value and visual identity.

#### Accessibility and Circulation
Attention to accessibility is paramount in the design, with well-planned paths, ramps, and sightlines that facilitate smooth mobility throughout the site. Each residential unit is easily accessible from public areas, ensuring minimal barriers for residents with varying mobility needs.

- **Universal Design:** The application of universal design principles throughout the project enables an inclusive environment, making it suitable for all residents regardless of mobility challenges.

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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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