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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Healing Spaces in Sustainable Care Facilities

Authors:
Charles Henley, Sean Cameron Henderson
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Healing Spaces in Sustainable Care Facilities

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber form a contemporary structure designed to promote healing and community well-being within a hospice environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels facilitate rapid construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light while minimizing material use.
04
Healing gardens are integrated into the layout for patient access and well-being.
05
Community spaces are strategically designed to foster social interaction among families.

Avalon Hospice is an architectural project designed to provide compassionate care in a serene environment. Located in a naturally beautiful setting that engages with the surrounding landscape, this hospice focuses on fostering a peaceful atmosphere for patients and their families. The design emphasizes the integration of health and wellness through architecture, ensuring that every aspect supports the holistic care of its occupants.

The primary function of Avalon Hospice revolves around providing quality healthcare services in a comforting setting. The layout includes distinct areas for patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring that the needs of all users are met effectively. Patient rooms are designed for privacy and tranquility, promoting healing through natural light and views of landscaped gardens. Common areas facilitate social interaction and support among families, reinforcing a community-oriented environment.

Unique Design Approaches

Avalon Hospice incorporates a number of design strategies that set it apart from traditional healthcare facilities. One prominent feature is the thoughtful integration of the building with its natural surroundings. The incorporation of gardens and outdoor spaces invites nature into the user experience, promoting well-being and offering therapeutic landscapes that patients can easily access.

Sustainability is another critical aspect of the design. The project utilizes energy-efficient building systems, including solar panels and natural ventilation strategies, aligning with modern environmental standards. This not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to a healthier environment for both occupants and the local ecosystem. The selection of materials such as reclaimed timber and natural stone further emphasizes ecological responsibility while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Elements and Spatial Configuration

The architectural elements of Avalon Hospice reflect a commitment to creating a welcoming environment. The building features a series of sloping roofs that not only provide visual continuity with traditional architecture but also optimize water drainage. The use of extensive glazing allows for ample natural light and panoramic views, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Interior spaces prioritize comfort and usability. Each patient room is generously sized, equipped with large windows that allow for daylighting and views of landscaped gardens. Common areas are designed to enhance interaction among visitors and family members, fostering a supportive atmosphere. The selection of soft, neutral color palettes and furnishings addresses the emotional needs of occupants, ensuring that the environment feels comforting and home-like.

For those interested in understanding the architectural intricacies of Avalon Hospice, further exploration of architectural plans, sections, and designs is recommended. These details provide valuable insights into how the project uniquely addresses the challenges of creating a compassionate healthcare environment through thoughtful architectural ideas.

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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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