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Charred Wood and Natural Stone Unite to Create a Healthcare Facility in Rwanda’s Eco-Conscious Landscape

Author:
Caite Linden Canfield
Charred Wood and Natural Stone Unite to Create a Healthcare Facility in Rwanda’s Eco-Conscious Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed using locally sourced charred wood and natural stone, the facility seamlessly integrates into the landscape of Virunga National Park, serving as a vital healthcare resource for the surrounding community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural performance.
03
Incorporates a healing garden designed to promote mental well-being.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Employs locally sourced materials to strengthen community ties and reduce environmental impact.

The Healthpost is an architectural project designed to enhance healthcare accessibility in the vicinity of Virunga National Park, Rwanda. This development addresses the pressing healthcare needs of the local population while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. The design focuses on integrating health services within the ecological landscape, promoting sustainability and community well-being.

The Healthpost encompasses various functional spaces, including consultation rooms, community gathering areas, and outdoor therapeutic gardens. The architectural layout facilitates efficient movement throughout the facility, ensuring ease of access for patients and healthcare providers alike. This integration of space supports a holistic approach to health, emphasizing both physical and psychological wellness.

Community-Centered Design

The project stands out through its community-centered design approach, ensuring that local stakeholders were involved in the development process. The design reflects cultural sensitivities and aims to serve diverse health needs. This engagement results in a facility that resonates with the local populace, addressing their specific healthcare challenges while fostering a sense of ownership.

Sustainability and Materiality

Another unique aspect of The Healthpost is its emphasis on sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials. Key materials include natural stone for the façade, timber for structural elements, glass to enhance natural light, and recycled materials throughout the project. This material selection not only reduces environmental impact but also creates a building that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The careful consideration of these materials enhances the thermal performance of the structure, contributing to energy efficiency and long-term durability.

The architectural form of the Healthpost is designed to reflect the unique topography of the region, minimizing disruption to the landscape. The incorporation of outdoor spaces promotes interaction with nature and provides therapeutic benefits, further emphasizing the project's commitment to holistic health.

The Healthpost exemplifies a partnership between architecture and environmental conservation, reinforcing the importance of accessible healthcare in remote areas. For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural strategies employed, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the cohesive integration of community, health, and nature within this project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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