The idea of a seniors center is based on a combination of two main aspects - social and ecological.

A building with a garden integrated into the surroundings of Powsin was designed with the comfort of the elderly in mind. When preparing the project, the author took into account the facilities for people with various types of disabilities.

The integrating role of the building plays an equally important role here. We will find there rooms for group activities, a library, a canteen with a café, a rehabilitation and medical complex, and a gym. Residents' visitors can use special glazed spaces overlooking the common courtyard. It is a place that is supposed to support building social bonds and a local community.

The complex is supposed to be environmentally friendly. The author proposes solutions such as the reuse of rainwater and greywater, supporting natural ventilation through air gaps between glass panes of double-skin facades, as well as opening air inlets on the single-pitched roof. The buildings are to be powered by renewable energy from three sources: photovoltaic screening panels on the facade, solar farm on flat roofs, and transparent glass with quantum dots converting solar energy into electricity.

Facade visualization with photovoltaic panels, design by Katarzyna Szmołda

As the organizer, the Polish Green Building Council PLGBC pointed out in their announcement, the jury assessed the works in terms of values related to ecological construction and sustainable development, as well as architecture and aesthetics. This year, particular attention was paid to solutions contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the conscious use of our planet's resources.

The thesis supervisor of the Nursing home in Powsin for elderly people was Prof. Elżbieta Dagny Ryńska, PhD. Eng.