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Biophilic Design Using Living Walls and Natural Timber in a Compassionate Care Environment

Author:
Lee Jia Le
Biophilic Design Using Living Walls and Natural Timber in a Compassionate Care Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural timber and living walls, the design creates a warm and inviting environment that enhances the emotional and physical comfort of patients in a hospice setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a central atrium that maximizes natural light and promotes community engagement.
04
Utilizes living walls to improve air quality and provide a calming atmosphere.
05
Designed with flexible spaces that accommodate both private and communal interactions among families.

### Overview

Located within a thoughtfully chosen environment, this hospice design emphasizes the enhancement of emotional and physical well-being for patients, caregivers, and families. The project prioritizes comfort and functionality, aiming to create a space that fosters connection between indoor and outdoor settings while addressing the often challenging experiences associated with hospice care.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of the hospice is characterized by distinct zones that cater to various aspects of care. Patient rooms are designed for privacy and comfort, featuring ample natural light and access to shared gardens. Common areas encourage social interaction and mental engagement, equipped with libraries and relaxation spaces. Additionally, support facilities for staff are strategically placed to enhance operational efficiency while providing necessary spaces for respite, thereby promoting an overall sense of well-being.

### Material Selection

Material choices are integral to both the aesthetic and functional dimensions of the design. Predominantly utilizing glass for windows and partitions, the design enables maximum light infiltration and unobstructed views of the external landscape. Natural timber is employed in flooring and structural elements, contributing warmth and a homely atmosphere. Concrete provides durability in structural applications, while a steel framework ensures the integrity necessary for expansive glass facades. Further, the inclusion of green walls enhances indoor air quality and visual appeal, aligning with biophilic principles to support emotional stability within the hospice environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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