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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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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
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