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Charred Wood Cladding and Panoramic Glass Integrate Nature in a Palliative Care Residence

Authors:
Zilin Cheng, Sicheng Gong, Zhuoqun Nie, Zixuan Fu
Charred Wood Cladding and Panoramic Glass Integrate Nature in a Palliative Care Residence

Project in-detail

With charred wood cladding that seamlessly blends with expansive glass views of tranquil gardens, this palliative care residence fosters a meditative environment for healing and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance the building’s sustainability and aesthetic appeal while providing weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure that optimizes natural light and views of surrounding gardens.
04
Patio gardens are strategically placed to offer therapeutic outdoor spaces for residents and families.
05
Interactive light manipulation techniques create a dynamic atmosphere that promotes a sense of time and space.

### Overview
Located in Yangquan, Shandong Province, China, this palatial home functions as a palliative care residence, designed to support individuals and their families during critical periods of transition and healing. The project responds to the emotional and environmental needs of its users by employing design principles that facilitate both reflection and engagement with the surrounding landscape. The concept draws inspiration from traditional Chinese philosophical reflections on time, emphasizing a continuity that links the past, present, and future.

### Spatial Organisation and Integration
The site planning incorporates multiple patio gardens that establish connections between the interior of the facility and the natural environment, promoting both social interaction and introspection. This spatial strategy enhances the emotional experience of the residents through the interplay of light and shadow. The layout consists of interconnected volumes that provide openness while ensuring privacy. Distinct architectural segments represent different aspects of the time continuum, integrating communal and intimate areas effectively. The garden design, featuring therapeutic water elements, encourages user interaction with nature, fostering well-being.

### Materiality and Environment
The material selection emphasizes sustainability and environmental harmony. Concrete serves as the structural foundation, lending durability, while extensive use of glass creates large openings for natural light and views. Wood elements contribute warmth to interior spaces and exteriors, enhancing the overall calming atmosphere. Stone is utilized in landscaping, establishing a cohesive relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. Each material is chosen not only for its functional attributes but also for its ability to enhance the sensory experience of the space, thereby enriching the emotional landscape of the residence.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

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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