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Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Offer Serenity in Palliative Care Facility

Author:
Julia Kong
Charred Wood Shingles and Expansive Glass Offer Serenity in Palliative Care Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and large glass panels, the design creates a tranquil environment that connects residents to the surrounding landscape while providing essential palliative care spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to create a unique visual profile and open interior spaces.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction and structural performance.
05
Integrates reflective pools strategically throughout to promote tranquility and meditation spaces.

### Project Overview
"Shades of Water" is an architectural design for a hospitium located along the shores of Finger Lake in Upstate New York. The project aims to create a harmonious environment that prioritizes healing and contemplation through a thoughtful integration of the natural landscape with architectural elements. The design seeks to provide a supportive atmosphere for individuals undergoing palliative care, encouraging a connection with nature that fosters serenity and reflection.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout is meticulously organized to enhance the user experience, aligning various spaces with the natural flow of water to maximize views and light. The arrangement includes treatment areas, communal gathering spaces, and private retreats, all designed for intuitive navigation and interaction. Key spaces, such as the library, treatment rooms, kitchen, lounge, and chapel, serve distinct functions while promoting a sense of community and tranquility. Features like reflective pools, large glass expanses, and sound-absorptive materials contribute to a calming atmosphere, ensuring that both individual and shared experiences are centered around comfort and peace.

### Material Considerations
The material palette is carefully selected to reinforce the project's conceptual goals. Structural stone provides stability and a tactile connection to the environment, while extensive use of glass fosters transparency and illuminates interior spaces. Concrete serves as a foundation of durability, complementing the modern design aspirations, and natural wood is incorporated to add warmth and a human touch. These materials collectively contribute to an environment that enhances the healing process, establishing a strong relationship between architecture and the natural setting.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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