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Tiered Landscaping and Natural Stone Facades in a Residential Community for Active Aging

Author:
Leonardo Agrelo
Tiered Landscaping and Natural Stone Facades in a Residential Community for Active Aging
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Utilizing tiered landscaping and natural stone facades, the design creates a community-oriented environment that promotes active aging through thoughtfully integrated social spaces and accessibility features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tiered landscaping to create accessible outdoor spaces for residents.
02
Incorporates natural stone facades to blend with the surrounding environment.
03
Features expansive glass elements that enhance natural light throughout the building.
04
Includes communal areas designed to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Employs sustainable practices in material selection and construction methods.

CasaVida is located in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal, designed to promote active aging through a focus on community-centric living. This architectural initiative is committed to creating environments that encourage social interaction and enhance the overall well-being of elderly residents. The project reflects contemporary design principles while respecting its natural context, integrating the surrounding terrain into its structural framework.

### Spatial Organization

CasaVida features a three-level design that varies in character and function. The lower level is constructed with robust materials, ensuring stability and support, while the upper floors transition to lighter materials that allow for ample daylight penetration. This vertical differentiation enhances the sense of openness within the interiors. The floor plan incorporates communal areas such as dining halls, lounges, and gardens, promoting engagement among residents. These spaces foster a strong community atmosphere, an essential component for supporting both mental and physical wellness.

### Material Selection

The structure's material palette is chosen for both its functional properties and visual appeal. Reinforced concrete forms the foundation, providing durability, while natural stone clads the lower levels, visually anchoring the building to its geological context. Wood elements introduce warmth and comfort in interior spaces, complemented by a metal framework that supports the building's form. Extensive glass façades ensure transparency and connectivity between the indoors and outdoors, enhancing natural light and emphasizing a relationship with the surrounding environment. Sustainable practices are a key consideration in the choice of materials, reflecting the project's commitment to ecological responsibility.

### Community and Outdoor Integration

CasaVida actively promotes an engaged lifestyle through its provision of communal spaces and amenities. Features such as shared gardens, walking paths, and recreational facilities encourage resident participation in activities that range from gardening to arts and sports. Additionally, design elements like terraces and balconies facilitate outdoor living and provide panoramic views of the landscape, while the inclusion of native vegetation supports both aesthetic appeal and local biodiversity. The adaptable layout further accommodates the diverse needs of its residents, ensuring ease of navigation and comfort throughout the facility.

In summary, CasaVida's architectural design seamlessly integrates community engagement with the natural environment, prioritizing the needs of elderly residents and highlighting sustainable building practices.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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