Portugal Elderly Home

People are living longer than ever before, as a result an aging population is struggling to find a place to live out their golden years. While there are of course often concerns about healthcare and support, there are a huge number of factors that affect older generations that aren’t always considered. Many in the older generation struggle to adapt to the changes in their lifestyle. They’re not able to do everything they used to, they’re not working or interacting with their community as much, and of course many will be dealing with the loss of loved ones.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is also being felt, as staff shortages, tighter budgets and new health and safety restrictions make the supply of suitable retirement housing even smaller.

Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for retirement living, having ranked 4th in International Living’s Global Retirement Index for 2022. In addition to great weather and a combination of stunning coasts, countryside and cities, retirees in Portugal love the country’s friendliness and sense of community.

The Portugal Elderly Home competition is tasking participants with designing a retirement home in central Portugal. It will need to be able to comfortably house 60 residents and ten support staff. It should also include several features including a small library, a gathering room, a chapel, a kitchen and dining room, as well as a private area which could function as a nurse’s room and therapy room for psychological support.

By putting accessibility at the forefront of design and creating a space that meets the unique requirements of an aging population of residents, architects and designers have the chance to reinvent accessible architecture. 

The Portugal Elderly Home competition is a chance for participants to explore how architecture can offer support to those who need it most. How can architecture influence how a person moves through a home? How can it help people to feel safe, comfortable, and independent? 

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner (formerly Bee Breeders) will award a total of 10,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize - 4,000 €
2nd Prize - 2,500 €
3rd Prize - 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions

CLIENT’S FAVORITE AWARD - 1,000 € 
Buildner Student Award - 1000 € + 50 € gift card at ARCHHIVE BOOKS
Buildner Sustainability Award - 500 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Final Registration: JANUARY 26 – APRIL 19

Final registration deadline: APRIL 19, 2023 
Closing date for submission: MAY 31, 2023 (11:59 p.m. GMT) 
Announcement of the winners: JULY 5, 2023

The Portugal Elderly Home competition is tasking participants with designing a retirement home in central Portugal.

Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for retirement living, having ranked 4th in International Living's Global Retirement Index for 2022.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Final Registration: JANUARY 26 – APRIL 19

Final registration deadline: APRIL 19, 2023 
Closing date for submission: MAY 31, 2023 (11:59 p.m. GMT) 
Announcement of the winners: JULY 5, 2023