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Vertical Gardens and Concrete Structure Create Harmony in Senior Living Spaces

Authors:
Naomi Filipowicz, Zuzanna Dąbkowska, Jowita Grabowska
Vertical Gardens and Concrete Structure Create Harmony in Senior Living Spaces

Project in-detail

With its innovative use of vertical gardens and a robust concrete structure that embraces the natural landscape, this nursing home creates a serene and supportive environment for elderly residents, fostering both community connection and individual well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
The nursing home incorporates vertical gardens that enhance air quality and provide therapeutic gardening opportunities for residents.
02
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity while creating visually appealing rooflines that connect with the landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for sustainable construction, reducing carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendliness.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer both aesthetic value and fire resistance, contributing to the building's durability.
05
The integration of communal spaces encourages social interactions while maintaining privacy in residential units.
The Fórum Sénior Nursing Home represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape, providing a functional space for elderly residents while emphasizing a sense of community and well-being. This nursing home project is strategically located on a gently sloping plateau in the mountainous region of Portugal, an area renowned for its natural beauty. The design reflects an understanding of both the environmental context and the specific needs of its inhabitants, creating an atmosphere that is both nurturing and engaging.

The overall function of this nursing home is to offer comprehensive care and support for the elderly, with thoughtfully designed spaces that prioritize comfort, accessibility, and social interaction. The architectural layout fosters a sense of independence while encouraging connections among residents and staff. Each design decision is geared toward creating an inviting environment where seniors can flourish in their daily lives. It combines private living quarters with expansive common areas that cater to a variety of recreational and social needs.

Key components of the nursing home include residential units, communal kitchens, dining halls, and leisure areas. These spaces are designed to accommodate the diverse activities of the residents, ranging from solitary pursuits to group initiatives. Furthermore, adaptable areas facilitate flexibility in functions, allowing for changes in usage as the residents' needs evolve. Attention has also been paid to circulation within the building, ensuring that all spaces are easily accessible, which is particularly important for residents with mobility challenges.

Unique design approaches define this project, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and the incorporation of nature within the architectural framework. The use of natural materials is prevalent throughout the building, reinforcing a connection to the surroundings. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, complemented by warm wood finishes that create a welcoming atmosphere. Generous spans of glass are utilized to open the structure to stunning views, encouraging natural light to permeate the interiors and enhancing the residents' connection to the stunning landscape outside.

The rooftop gardens and green facades incorporated into the design not only serve aesthetic purposes but also contribute to improving air quality and thermal regulation. Such biophilic elements emphasize the importance of nature in daily life and allow residents to engage with their environment in meaningful ways. The terraces provide outdoor spaces for gardening activities or simply enjoying the view, reinforcing the therapeutic effects of nature on mental health.

The interiors of Fórum Sénior Nursing Home are designed with careful attention to materiality and human scale. Flooring, wall treatments, and furnishings utilize a palette of natural tones and textures, creating a serene atmosphere that supports relaxation and comfort. The design of communal spaces ensures that they are versatile, promoting both social interaction and personal reflection. Acoustic treatments are considered to enhance privacy and comfort within shared areas, ensuring that residents can enjoy quieter moments alongside opportunities for engagement.

Attention to sustainability extends beyond material choices to energy-efficient building systems that reduce the environmental impact of the nursing home. By adopting green building practices, the project demonstrates a commitment to long-term viability and respect for the environment, ensuring that it serves the community for generations to come.

Through this comprehensive design approach, the Fórum Sénior Nursing Home embodies the principles of thoughtful architecture that prioritizes the comfort and dignity of its residents. It illustrates how architectural design can effectively respond to the needs of specific populations, creating spaces that foster health, happiness, and community.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of Fórum Sénior Nursing Home, additional materials provide valuable insights into the project’s unique architectural ideas. Exploring these resources will reveal the full scope of the integration between architecture, nature, and community that defines this nursing home, offering a closer look at the creative processes and considerations that shaped its development.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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