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Biophilic Healing Center with Expansive Glass and Green Roof Integration

Author:
Lapo Batistini
Biophilic Healing Center with Expansive Glass and Green Roof Integration

Project in-detail

Featuring a green roof that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Tuscany landscape, this healthcare facility utilizes large glass openings for natural light and incorporates biophilic design principles to create an environment that supports patient well-being and recovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated green roof enhances thermal insulation and integrates the facility with its natural surroundings.
02
Large glass panels optimize natural light, improving patient comfort and creating visual connections to nature.
03
Biophilic design principles promote emotional and psychological well-being through thoughtful spatial arrangements.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency while providing a warm interior aesthetic.
05
The open-plan layout fosters community interaction, reducing conventional hospital barriers for patient and family support.
The Fiore project is an architectural endeavor situated in Tuscany, Italy, designed to promote health and well-being in a therapeutic environment. The facility is strategically positioned on a gently sloping site, 3 kilometers from the town of Taverne. The design emphasizes an integrative relationship with its natural surroundings, fostering a serene atmosphere conducive to healing.

The primary function of the Fiore project is to serve as a healthcare facility that prioritizes patient comfort through its architectural approach. Its layout eliminates conventional hospital corridors and introduces an open-plan design that enhances communal interaction while providing private spaces for individual care. The design connects indoor and outdoor areas, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and providing unobstructed views of the landscape. This connection not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports the therapeutic objectives of the facility.

Holistic Design Approach

One of the distinctive features of the Fiore project is its focus on biophilic design principles. By incorporating expansive glass openings, the building promotes visual and physical access to nature. This design choice aims to provide a calming experience for patients, emphasizing the restorative benefits of the natural environment. The inclusion of a green roof serves not only aesthetic purposes but also contributes to sustainability by improving thermal regulation and managing stormwater.

The organization of space is carefully considered, with two large common areas functioning as social hubs for patients and families. This arrangement encourages social interactions, which are critical to fostering a supportive community. Additionally, smaller rooms are allocated for psychological support, recognizing the importance of mental health in the recovery process.

Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette of the Fiore project includes concrete, glass, and wood, each selected for their functional properties and aesthetic qualities. Concrete provides structural integrity, while large glass panels enhance transparency and light quality within the spaces. Wood is incorporated in the interior finishes to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts with typical healthcare environments, further improving patient comfort.

The integration of natural materials aligns with sustainability goals, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. The green roof serves to reconnect the built environment with its ecological context, allowing flora to coexist alongside the architectural structure.

The Fiore project represents a paradigm shift in healthcare architecture by placing an emphasis on human-centric design that prioritizes emotional and psychological well-being. The holistic approach combined with sustainable practices sets this facility apart from typical healthcare environments. Readers interested in a comprehensive understanding of the project are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and design details for deeper insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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