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Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Forms in a Palliative Care Facility

Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Forms in a Palliative Care Facility
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Circular forms integrated with charred wooden shingles create a harmonious environment that supports patient well-being in a modern palliative care facility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular building forms enhance community interaction within the facility.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and durability.
03
Large windows maximize natural light and connect patients with the landscape.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels promote sustainability in construction.
05
Sensory gardens are integrated to support therapeutic healing processes.

## Overview

The transformation of a 1970s holiday center into a contemporary hospice for palliative care highlights the evolving role of healthcare facilities. Located in Poland, this initiative seeks to repurpose an underutilized modernist structure while emphasizing the importance of palliative care in healthcare systems. The design intent centers on creating a supportive environment that prioritizes comfort and dignity for patients and their families.

### Adaptive Reuse and Site Integration

The project exemplifies adaptive reuse, breathing new life into the original holiday resort while respecting its historical and architectural significance. This approach facilitates sustainability by minimizing waste associated with demolition and allows for the preservation of cultural identity. The serene natural surroundings further enhance the therapeutic atmosphere, featuring sensory gardens that promote interaction with nature and provide essential restorative experiences for users.

### Architectural Strategy and Materiality

The architectural configuration of the facility employs circular and organic forms, fostering a sense of community and countering the clinical ambiance typical of traditional healthcare settings. Multiple levels accommodate distinct functions, with communal areas promoting social engagement and patient rooms designed for accessibility and comfort.

Material selection plays a crucial role in establishing the facility's atmosphere, with anticipated use of glass to facilitate natural light and landscape views, wood for warmth, concrete for structural robustness, and green roof systems to enhance environmental integration. Special features such as sensory and winter gardens are included to further support patient well-being by fostering engagement with the outdoors year-round.

Incorporating human-centric design principles, the project prioritizes user experience by creating spaces conducive to comfort, social interaction, and reflection, reflecting a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that encompasses healthcare, psychology, and landscape design.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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