Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.
The architectural project centers around a hospice designed to enhance the experience of patients and their families in a sensitive environment. This facility prioritizes emotional and physical well-being through careful design considerations that fuse functionality with a therapeutic atmosphere. The project's intention is to create a space conducive to healing and comfort, acknowledging the complexities of end-of-life care.

This hospice integrates nature and light into its architectural fabric, using biophilic design principles. The architectural layout promotes a sense of community while providing moments of solitude, ensuring that the needs of both patients and caregivers are met. The arrangement facilitates clear navigation through the building, creating distinct areas for individual reflection and collective engagement.

Unique Features of Design Implementation

The project's most notable feature is the central atrium that serves as a light-filled community hub. This space fosters interactions among patients, families, and staff, underscoring the project's commitment to emotional support. The atrium is designed with expansive glass facades and openings that allow natural light to permeate the interior, minimizing the use of artificial lighting and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Patient rooms are intentionally placed to ensure privacy while retaining views of landscaped gardens. Each room is equipped with thoughtfully designed elements that accommodate both patients and their families, including seating areas and ample natural light. This design choice reinforces the hospice’s goal of providing a nurturing and supportive environment.

The project also incorporates green walls, enhancing the aesthetic experience while contributing to improved air quality. These living plant systems serve not only a visual purpose but are integral to the concept of a calming environment. The use of natural materials, including timber, concrete, and glass, further establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere, which is pivotal in healthcare settings.

Innovative Spatial Organization

The architecture of this hospice is characterized by efficient spatial organization, creating specific zones for various functions. Common areas are designed to promote socialization while support facilities ensure that staff have access to necessary resources without compromising the needs of patients. The careful allocation of space allows for flexibility, accommodating the diverse needs of those who utilize the facility.

The project effectively layers different uses, allowing for seamless transitions between communal areas and private spaces. This structure serves not only as a functional necessity but also cultivates a sense of community, reinforcing relationships among patients, families, and caregivers.

To explore further details about this architectural project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, consider engaging with the comprehensive presentation of the project. This will provide deeper insights into the important elements and unique aspects of the design.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy