A place dedicated to seniors, which will allow them to experience old age harmoniously, surrounded by nature and social places, was designed by {tag:studenci}. Her project won first place in the Best Engineering Diploma of the Year 2024 competition organized by SARP Rzeszow Branch and Politechnika Rzeszowska.
The engineering thesis presents a conceptual design of a building designed for seniors, integrating a variety of functions into a single structure. The building uses a variety of sustainable architecture technologies, such as collector-accumulator walls, green concrete and large glazing with automatic blinds. The location close to green areas and community spaces promotes the integration of seniors into the local community, allowing them to actively participate in social life and enjoy the natural surroundings. The project places great emphasis on harmonious aging, providing peace and psychosocial support for residents.
visualization
proj.: Sylwia Dąbek
peaceful old age near the forest
The Senior House building was designed according to the concept of houses integrated in one structure, with the idea of providing each resident with their own corner and privacy. Due to the limited space of the plot, partly occupied by a small forest, it was decided to combine residential functions over each room with gabled roofs. However, for better aesthetics, four mono-pitched roofs with a 45% pitch were used, with additional non-opening windows to bring natural light into the interiors.
To maximize privacy and comfort for residents, each room on the first floor has a terrace with a set of garden furniture, while upstairs conservatories with patio doors have been designed to act as extensions of the bedrooms. The building has been divided into three zones: social, residential and recreational, with additional representative rooms suitable for meetings, cinema or theater.
site development plan
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
Carefully laid out paths have been designed on the plot and a variety of ornamental shrubs have been planted, creating a friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment. Due to its location near schools and a small forest, a star observatory was added to allow residents to observe at night with minimal lighting.
Naturally and environmentally friendly, thanks to a wood-and-wool façade
The building's façade was made of natural wood planks, where the front part was painted black and the rest of the walls were covered with special STEICO wool in the color of natural wood. Such a solution creates a 3D facade effect, where bright strips of wool are visible on the front, while natural wood is visible on the side, which gives the building a unique character.
In addition, photovoltaic panels were used on the roofs, placed at a 45% slope to maximize the efficiency of solar energy harvesting. These elements complete the overall design of the building, which harmoniously combines modernity with functionality and an ecological approach.
eastern elevation
designed by Sylwia Dąbek
north elevation
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
The lump of the building was created on the basis of a square, which in the initial phase was divided into structural axes, so as to maintain the coherence and legibility of the building. In the second design phase, it was decided to give shape by creating a large courtyard and moving three sides of the block back inward to give it lightness. In the third phase, the building was raised by a storey, as well as widened on the north side and partially on the east side, which led to the creation of three zones in the building. In this phase, a dominant height was created, and the central building was expanded in each direction of the world. An atrium and several cutouts were also created. In the last phase of solid modeling, mono-pitched roofs were created to add a modern style and allow for the placement of photovoltaic panels.
diagram of technologies used in the project
proj.: Sylwia Dąbek
Walking, sunbathing and relaxing in the garden
The plot of 1.2 hectares is largely covered with trees and overgrown with shrubs. This configuration of the land is conducive to the design of the Senior House, which was designed in the central part of the plot. As a result, it was necessary to remove some trees, but the largest and most valuable specimens were preserved. The green areas on the plot have been carefully landscaped. Paths and small squares with benches have been introduced, creating intimate spaces conducive to relaxation for seniors and visitors. These paths are connected to terraces adjacent to the rooms, allowing easy access to the recreational areas. In addition, concrete slab walkways have been designed between the main tracts so that users can freely choose the length of the path they take.
The building has 10 public entrances and two private employee entrances, accessed by paved pathways. Numerous seating areas have been provided on the grounds so that seniors can rest at any time. The plot has also been equipped with an asphalt road that meets fire safety requirements, allowing a drive through the entire length of the plot with two entrances. At the western border of the plot, next to one of the entrances, a waste disposal area was designed, with access for a garbage truck. Along the western elevation, an access road is also provided for the transportation of goods to the canteen and the removal of garbage from the kitchen.
Within the plot, 29 parking spaces with dimensions of 2.5 x 5.0 m and 6 spaces for people with disabilities with dimensions of 3.6 x 5.0 m have been designed. In addition, there is an enclosed bicycle room at the main entrance.
cross-section A-A
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
accessible and private first floor
The first floor of the building has been designed to perform the most essential social and technical functions, while ensuring the comfort and efficiency of the space. An administrative area was placed at the main entrance, which includes a reception area with a waiting room and the necessary technical facilities. Passing through the corridor, one can reach the recreational area, equipped with sanitary facilities.
The living area has been separated by doors on both sides to guarantee the quiet and privacy of the residents. This part also provides for medical rooms, prepared for medical emergencies.
A central corridor leads to the representative area, where a multifunctional room with a projector, screen and stage has been placed, ideal for meetings and presentations. On the opposite side of the building is the social zone, including a well-stocked library, a spacious dining room and functional kitchen facilities, which encourages integration and the establishment of new interpersonal relationships.
The first floor also includes an area with a chess table overlooking the garden, a knowledge area with computer equipment, and an atrium with seating. The building has also not lacked space for practical workshop rooms and a relaxation zone equipped with comfortable sofas, ideal for rest and recuperation.
The whole project was designed to create a space that harmoniously combines functionality with aesthetics, while supporting both the individual needs of residents and the social life of the building.
first floor plan
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
massages, medics and psychologist at hand
Storey 1 was designed with rehabilitation and health functions in mind, as well as a continuation of the residential part. The rehabilitation area includes massage rooms, equipped with appropriate equipment for the elderly, and medical treatment rooms with a locker room and storage. There is also a spacious psychologist's room with comfortable seating, which is an essential part of the senior care home. A laundry room with a laundry room and a room for dirty things is also provided, opposite which sanitary facilities have been placed. There is also a gymnasium with storage for sports equipment, where yoga or dance classes can be held.
The private area, which includes the seniors' rooms, has been equipped with conservatories, acting as private and common terraces, connecting the corridor. This part also leads to a viewing terrace, designed on a usable ceiling, where comfortable seating is provided. The storey has three staircases, two of which serve as escape staircases.
The whole project has been planned with attention to the comfort and safety of residents, creating a friendly and functional environment to support their health and well-being.
floor plan 1
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
At the Senior Citizen Home you can reach for the stars
Storey 2, which is the last level of the building, was designed with the idea of a star observatory, ideally suited to the specific conditions of the location. The location of the plot, away from larger buildings, guarantees a dark and clearly visible sky, which makes this floor unique. The observatory is equipped with storage for equipment and a staircase with elevators, providing convenient access to this area. The corridor leads to a spacious viewing terrace, offering seniors the opportunity to rest and relax in the quiet and surrounded by nature.
The design also takes sustainable architecture into account - 700W photovoltaic panels have been installed on mono-pitched roofs with a 45-degree pitch. These panels were arranged in such a way that they do not obscure each other, maximizing energy efficiency. The introduction of photovoltaic panels not only increases the building's self-sufficiency, but also underscores the commitment to sustainability and green solutions. The entire floor has been planned with the comfort, relaxation and safety of the residents in mind, integrating modern technology with the natural surroundings.
floor plan 2
designed by: Sylwia Dąbek
Nursing homes are places that can provide elderly people with peace, support and the company of experienced staff. In such conditions, they can explore their experiences, understand the current stage of life and go through reflections.
