Apricity: A Contemporary Haven for the Elderly

Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Project idea

"Apricity", the warmth of the winter sun, drives the design of this elderly accommodation in Aszód. The concept captures low-angle winter sunlight and draws natural illumination deep into the building's core through carved communal voids, fostering warmth, connection, and dignified vitality for residents.

Project description

The massing features a three-story rectangular main block and an angular one-story volume dedicated to activities for daily visitors. To break down the overall scale and respond to the sloping site, the main block incorporates deep voids that serve as open communal areas. These carved spaces, paired with strategic orientation, capture low-angle winter sunlight and draw natural illumination deep into the building's core. Integrated sensory gardens soften the boundary with nature, ultimately fostering warmth, connection, and a sense of dignified vitality for the residents.

Technical information

The program includes waste management, entry and reception, terraces, single and double bedrooms, staff room, dining area, kitchen, cooler, changing room, gym, sauna, cafeteria (GCH block entrance), bar, café, workshops, and outdoor terrace/inner courtyard. The building is organized across three stories on a sloping site with the main block containing residential units and the single-story wing housing public and day care activities.

Created in: