With a distinctive wicker canopy enveloping lush communal gardens, this sustainable elder housing initiative fosters community engagement through agricultural activities and shared living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a distinctive wicker canopy that enhances natural ventilation while fostering a connection to the outdoors.
02
Communal gardens are strategically placed within an inviting internal courtyard, promoting interaction among residents and engagement with nature.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices.
04
Each private living unit features accessible terraces that encourage gardening and personal cultivation of herbs and vegetables.
05
The project involves active participation in agriculture, with residents involved in planting, harvesting, and trading produce, integrating ecological practices into daily living.
General keywords
Project specific keywords
The architectural project "Our Little Farm" represents a thoughtful approach to elder housing, focusing on community interaction and sustainability within an agricultural framework. This design seeks to redefine how elder care facilities can operate, emphasizing not just the physical needs of residents but also their emotional and social well-being. Located within a landscape evocative of traditional Portuguese countryside, the project rises from a conviction to merge contemporary living with local cultural heritage.
At its core, the project functions as a vibrant community hub that encourages its residents to engage in agricultural activities. By incorporating elements such as communal gardens and shared living spaces, the design facilitates active participation in gardening, cooking, and trading produce, which collectively fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. This cooperative lifestyle goes beyond mere habitation; it promotes health, vitality, and a connection to nature and neighbors.
Key components of the project include an internal courtyard that serves as a focal point for social gatherings and horticultural activities. This courtyard is essential to the overall design, allowing for abundant natural light and serving as a space where residents can engage in everyday activities, from planting to socializing. The layout emphasizes fluidity and encourages seamless interaction between different areas of the facility. Each living space is equipped to provide comfort while promoting autonomy, incorporating private rooms adjacent to communal areas to ensure both personal privacy and social engagement.
The materiality of the building reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and local architectural practices. Brick shear walls offer structural stability while serving as a nod to traditional construction methods. Concrete slabs provide a robust yet functional base for the upper levels, while uneven wooden members for the canopy create a natural aesthetic that resonates with the rural context. Incorporating wicker elements not only enhances the visual appeal but also fosters natural ventilation and a connection to the surrounding environment.
A unique design feature of "Our Little Farm" is its innovative canopy structure. This element is inspired by regional agricultural practices and serves to unify the various spaces under a cohesive architectural language. The canopy not only provides shelter but also integrates planting areas, further encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings. The project prioritizes creating an environment where greenery and biodiversity can flourish alongside human habitation.
The organization of the spaces throughout the building is methodical, structured over three levels to optimize functionality. The ground floor hosts communal living areas and gardening spaces, fostering interaction among residents. The first floor offers private living units complemented by accessible terraces, and the roof level includes additional planting areas that provide both privacy and a connection to nature. This careful spatial arrangement allows residents to feel a continuous relationship with their environment.
Another important aspect of this project is the activities that residents undertake. The design promotes four core actions: the purchasing of seeds and fertilizers for planting, engaging in agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting, participating in cooking based on the harvest, and trading surplus produce with the local community. This multifaceted approach ensures that residents remain active participants in their lives and encourages economic ties with the surrounding area.
"Our Little Farm" stands out for its holistic approach to elder living, integrating social interaction, agricultural engagement, and sustainable practices in a coherent architectural framework. This project illustrates a shift in how elder housing can be conceptualized, moving towards designs that facilitate community-oriented lifestyles and prioritize residents' active participation in their surroundings.
For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that influenced this project, a thorough investigation of the presentation materials will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations made throughout the design process. This exploration will reveal how "Our Little Farm" serves not only as a residence but as a model for sustainable living and community engagement in elder care design.
At its core, the project functions as a vibrant community hub that encourages its residents to engage in agricultural activities. By incorporating elements such as communal gardens and shared living spaces, the design facilitates active participation in gardening, cooking, and trading produce, which collectively fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. This cooperative lifestyle goes beyond mere habitation; it promotes health, vitality, and a connection to nature and neighbors.
Key components of the project include an internal courtyard that serves as a focal point for social gatherings and horticultural activities. This courtyard is essential to the overall design, allowing for abundant natural light and serving as a space where residents can engage in everyday activities, from planting to socializing. The layout emphasizes fluidity and encourages seamless interaction between different areas of the facility. Each living space is equipped to provide comfort while promoting autonomy, incorporating private rooms adjacent to communal areas to ensure both personal privacy and social engagement.
The materiality of the building reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and local architectural practices. Brick shear walls offer structural stability while serving as a nod to traditional construction methods. Concrete slabs provide a robust yet functional base for the upper levels, while uneven wooden members for the canopy create a natural aesthetic that resonates with the rural context. Incorporating wicker elements not only enhances the visual appeal but also fosters natural ventilation and a connection to the surrounding environment.
A unique design feature of "Our Little Farm" is its innovative canopy structure. This element is inspired by regional agricultural practices and serves to unify the various spaces under a cohesive architectural language. The canopy not only provides shelter but also integrates planting areas, further encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings. The project prioritizes creating an environment where greenery and biodiversity can flourish alongside human habitation.
The organization of the spaces throughout the building is methodical, structured over three levels to optimize functionality. The ground floor hosts communal living areas and gardening spaces, fostering interaction among residents. The first floor offers private living units complemented by accessible terraces, and the roof level includes additional planting areas that provide both privacy and a connection to nature. This careful spatial arrangement allows residents to feel a continuous relationship with their environment.
Another important aspect of this project is the activities that residents undertake. The design promotes four core actions: the purchasing of seeds and fertilizers for planting, engaging in agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting, participating in cooking based on the harvest, and trading surplus produce with the local community. This multifaceted approach ensures that residents remain active participants in their lives and encourages economic ties with the surrounding area.
"Our Little Farm" stands out for its holistic approach to elder living, integrating social interaction, agricultural engagement, and sustainable practices in a coherent architectural framework. This project illustrates a shift in how elder housing can be conceptualized, moving towards designs that facilitate community-oriented lifestyles and prioritize residents' active participation in their surroundings.
For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that influenced this project, a thorough investigation of the presentation materials will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations made throughout the design process. This exploration will reveal how "Our Little Farm" serves not only as a residence but as a model for sustainable living and community engagement in elder care design.
