Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create A Therapeutic Hospice Environment

Author:
Elton Tavares
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create A Therapeutic Hospice Environment

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the hospice creates a serene and supportive environment that prioritizes patient well-being through thoughtful design and natural integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainable construction.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes landscaped garden spaces designed for therapy and community interaction.
05
Prioritizes acoustic comfort through strategic material selection and layout.

### Overview

SERRENA is a hospice facility designed to support terminally ill patients and their families, situated in San Felipe, a vibrant neighborhood that offers essential urban amenities. The project focuses on creating a calming and welcoming atmosphere, prioritizing comfort and inclusivity while fostering community connections. The design integrates holistic care principles to promote emotional well-being during end-of-life stages.

### Spatial Organization

The interior layout emphasizes warmth and familiarity, avoiding clinical sterility through open, inviting spaces. Common areas are strategically distributed throughout the facility, providing gathering places for social interactions among patients and families. Private rooms feature large windows that invite natural light and offer views of the landscape, contributing to a serene environment. Universal accessibility is a key consideration, ensuring ease of navigation for individuals with varied mobility levels.

#### Material Selection

Materiality is a crucial element in the design, focusing on sustainability and functionality. Wood is used for paneling and structural components, enhancing acoustics while providing warmth. The extensive use of glass allows daylight to enliven the interiors, creating a connection to the outdoor environment. Stone is employed for flooring and pathways, ensuring durability and a natural aesthetic. Additionally, the incorporation of indoor plants and native outdoor landscaping fosters a biophilic atmosphere, strengthening the emotional well-being of users.

### Community Engagement

Community integration is a fundamental component of SERRENA. The design features communal gardens and outdoor spaces that not only serve hospice residents but also encourage interaction with the surrounding neighborhood. Native flora is included in the landscape design to minimize maintenance and provide therapeutic benefits. Moreover, thoughtfully curated art installations contribute to the ambiance, promoting personal reflection and emotional connection during a critical phase of life.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy