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Biophilic Healing Space With Expansive Glass Facades and Sustainable Wood Elements

Authors:
Yuehan Wang, Yifan Feng, Yifan Wu
Biophilic Healing Space With Expansive Glass Facades and Sustainable Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Designed with expansive glass facades that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, this facility utilizes sustainable wood elements to create a tranquil healing space overlooking Dishui Lake for enhanced patient well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to maximize natural light with extensive glass facades that connect interior spaces to nature.
02
Incorporates a central garden that serves as a communal area for patient interaction and reflection.
03
Utilizes sustainable materials such as cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
04
Features water elements throughout the landscape that promote a calming atmosphere and aid in healing.
05
The bent A-frame design not only adds visual interest but also optimizes structural integrity and energy efficiency.
Tranquility Edge is an architectural design project located at Dishui Lake, Shanghai, intended for use as a healthcare facility. This project aims to create a nurturing environment for patients by fostering a connection with nature. The architectural design integrates natural elements, offering calming surroundings that support mental and emotional well-being.

The facility's layout is thoughtfully organized around a central garden, which serves as a communal space for interaction among patients and caregivers. Individual patient rooms are arranged to maximize views of the landscaped gardens and the adjoining lake, ensuring an inviting and open atmosphere. Pathways throughout the site promote active exploration, enhancing the overall patient experience by encouraging movement within the tranquil landscape.

Innovative Use of Natural Elements
What sets Tranquility Edge apart from similar healthcare projects is its emphasis on biophilic design principles. The architecture incorporates extensive use of glass facades, which facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. This design approach not only maximizes natural light but also allows occupants to engage with the scenery, fostering a stronger bond with nature. In addition, water features are strategically placed throughout the landscape, providing soothing auditory and visual stimuli that contribute positively to the healing atmosphere.

Landscaping plays a crucial role in this project. Native flora is utilized to create low-maintenance gardens that provide beauty and habitat for local wildlife. This careful selection of plant life ensures ecological sustainability while also enriching the sensory experiences of those within the facility. Meditative spaces are integrated into the layout, allowing for individual reflection and mental respite.

Functionality and Material Selection
The project represents a convergence of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The use of concrete as a structural element ensures stability and temperature regulation, while wood elements contribute warmth and a sense of comfort within the therapeutic spaces. Steel is employed to create durable frameworks that support the expansive glass panels, emphasizing transparency in the design. Each material is selected for its contribution to the environment, reinforcing the project’s holistic approach to patient care.

Tranquility Edge serves not only as a physical structure but also as an embodiment of principles that prioritize the psychological and emotional needs of its occupants. The design methodology applied here reflects a strategic understanding of how architectural decisions can influence health outcomes.

For additional insights into the design and functionality of Tranquility Edge, it is recommended to explore its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin this innovative project.
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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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