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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.

### Overview

The Healthpost is situated near Virunga National Park in Rwanda, aiming to improve healthcare access while respecting environmental contexts. This initiative seeks to address local health infrastructure needs and reduce the ecological impact of human activities, illustrating an integrated approach to architectural design that harmonizes function, materiality, and sustainability.

### Spatial Organization

The design focuses on functionality and adaptability through the strategic layout of user-oriented spaces. Key features include centralized gathering areas intended for community health workshops, distinct consultation rooms that prioritize patient privacy, and outdoor landscapes designed as healing gardens. This arrangement facilitates efficient movement for both visitors and healthcare providers, fostering a supportive environment for health and wellness activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A selection of locally sourced materials underscores the building's connection to its environment. Natural stone is utilized for the façades, integrating the structure with the landscape, while timber serves for roofing and internal elements, providing warmth and an organic quality. Glass is employed to maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding area. Additionally, the use of recycled materials reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability, enhancing thermal efficiency and durability against the region's climatic conditions.

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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

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