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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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