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Therapeutic Gardens Framed by Local Craftsmanship and Stucco Facades in Hillside Community Living

Author:
Roman Lyashenko
Therapeutic Gardens Framed by Local Craftsmanship and Stucco Facades in Hillside Community Living

Project in-detail

Hillside integration of therapeutic gardens and large glass facades complements the local stucco and timber craftsmanship, creating a supportive community environment for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hillside design minimizes site disturbance while maximizing views.
02
Therapeutic gardens are integrated for resident well-being and interaction.
03
Local craftsmanship is showcased through custom stucco and wood finishes.
04
Large glass elements enhance natural light and blur indoor-outdoor boundaries.
05
Shared communal spaces prioritize social connectivity among residents.

## Project Overview
Harmony Hills is located on a hillside, designed to engage with the natural topography while providing residential and community-oriented spaces tailored for an elderly demographic. The configuration of the building responds effectively to the slope, promoting accessibility and connectivity to the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Organization
The architectural layout is structured to foster community interaction, with several shared spaces including communal gardens, lounges, and pathways that encourage engagement among residents. The design incorporates a single-story form on the street side, transitioning to two stories at the rear. This approach optimizes views while minimizing alterations to the landscape, supporting environmental preservation efforts.

### Material Choice
The project employs traditional Portuguese building materials that reflect regional architectural styles. Key components include stucco walls for durability, decorative plaster that showcases local craftsmanship, and wood and glazed elements that add warmth. Clay roof tiles provide functional benefits while maintaining visual coherence with local architecture. Significant use of glass enhances natural light and establishes strong visual connections with the environment.

## Functional Areas
The development includes distinct zones to address various needs, such as residential suites featuring single and twin accommodations tailored for comfort. Public areas like lounges and therapeutic spaces are linked to gardens, fostering social interaction. Essential support facilities, including kitchens and administrative spaces, are designed for efficient accessibility and operation.

### Landscape Integration
Strategic landscaping complements the architectural design, with gardens and native plantings that support biodiversity and ecological sustainability. The central courtyard serves as a communal hub, enhancing social interaction and well-being through therapeutic gardens and a central fountain, which acts as a calming focal point.

### Architectural Elements
Notable features include arched porticos that provide functional shading while enhancing aesthetics, and large glass facades that facilitate a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The staggered heights of the building reflect the natural gradient of the hillside, creating layered visual interest and a harmonious transition from the landscape to built form.

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

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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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