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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining a Community-Focused Rehabilitation Center

Authors:
Pierre Sfeir, Judy Jack Abi Roustom
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining a Community-Focused Rehabilitation Center

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels create a harmonious integration with landscaped spaces in a rehabilitation center designed to enhance patient well-being through nature-inspired therapeutic environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the building’s structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes natural light and airflow throughout the facility.
04
Therapeutic outdoor spaces are seamlessly integrated into the interior design for patient access.
05
Solar energy solutions are employed to power the center, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
The Al Barari Rehabilitation Center is designed as a modern healthcare facility located in Dubai, specifically within the eco-conscious Al Barari development. This project serves as a rehabilitation hub, integrating various therapeutic services tailored to enhance patient recovery. Emphasizing a connection with the natural environment, the building reflects an approach that prioritizes well-being, making it a significant addition to healthcare architecture.

The primary function of the Al Barari Rehabilitation Center is to facilitate physical rehabilitation through a combination of advanced medical care and holistic wellness practices. The center includes spaces for physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and communal activities, ensuring a comprehensive patient experience. The architectural design supports these functions through a layout that promotes movement and interaction, while its integration with landscaped areas offers patients access to nature which is crucial for mental and emotional recovery.

Innovative Design Approaches to Healing Spaces

The architectural concept is characterized by flowing, organic forms that mimic natural elements. This design choice transcends standard healthcare practices, fostering a calming atmosphere. The building features a unique façade with extensive use of glass, which not only enhances natural light flow but also establishes a visual connection with the exterior landscapes. This connection is further strengthened by the incorporation of internal gardens and outdoor therapy spaces that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.

An important aspect of the project is the emphasis on biophilic design principles. These principles enhance patients' emotional well-being by integrating natural elements into the healing environment. By providing spaces that encourage access to greenery and light, the design alleviates the typical clinical feel of rehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, the facility's layout facilitates intuitive navigation, making it easier for patients to move through different spaces without feeling disoriented. This approach supports the notion that physical movement is integral to the rehabilitation process.

Technical Aspects of the Building Design

The architectural plans include five distinct levels, each serving specific functions while maintaining fluid connectivity among them. The ground floor is dedicated to active rehabilitation areas, featuring dedicated spaces for various therapies. The upper levels accommodate inpatient services, private rooms, and specialized treatment facilities. This structured yet open layout maximizes the building's usability, ensuring that patients and staff can move efficiently from one area to another.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the overall design. High-performance exterior materials are utilized for energy efficiency, reducing heat gain and ensuring comfortable indoor conditions. The solar panels on the roof underline the commitment to sustainability, generating renewable energy to power the facility's operations. Natural materials such as wood and stone are strategically employed within the interiors to create a warm, inviting environment that contrasts typical healthcare settings.

The Al Barari Rehabilitation Center represents a shift towards a more integrated, patient-centered approach to healthcare architecture. It combines therapeutic facilities with a design that respects and incorporates the surrounding natural landscape, creating a comprehensive environment for healing. For further exploration of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design specifics, please explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its unique elements and architectural ideas.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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