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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Elevate Healing Spaces in Healthcare Design

Authors:
Alaviyah Afzal Rajani, Susan Xuan Ngo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Elevate Healing Spaces in Healthcare Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the facility creates a serene environment that harmoniously integrates nature with healthcare, focusing on enhancing the well-being of patients in a dedicated care setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and enhances natural light flow.
04
Extensive integration of indoor gardens fosters a connection to nature for patients and visitors.
05
Passive solar heating and cooling strategies optimize energy efficiency throughout the facility.

The Ecotherapy: Green Healing hospice project is a specialized healthcare facility located near the West Park Healthcare Center in Toronto, Ontario. It focuses on integrating therapeutic practices with architectural design to create an environment that promotes healing through nature. The design emphasizes the connection between the physical structure and the natural landscape, aiming to enhance the well-being of patients and their families during challenging times.

The primary function of the hospice is to provide compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients. The layout and facilities are designed to facilitate patient comfort, encourage family interactions, and allow for community engagement. The interior spaces incorporate common areas, private patient rooms, and event spaces, highlighting the importance of social connections in the healing process.

The architectural design includes several important elements. The entrance features a large outdoor garden that welcomes visitors, designed to provide an immediate sense of tranquility. Inside, extensive use of natural light through large glass panels creates an open and airy atmosphere. The spatial arrangement facilitates easy navigation and ensures that all areas are accessible to patients, families, and staff.

One of the unique aspects of this project is its commitment to ecotherapy principles, where the design serves as a therapeutic tool. The incorporation of nature within and around the building is intentional, featuring gardens, water elements, and views of the surrounding landscape. The choice of materials reflects sustainability, with structural steel, natural stone, and wood providing durability while maintaining a warm and inviting feel.

The design approach further emphasizes community integration, breaking away from conventional healthcare architecture. The common areas are intentionally spacious, designed to facilitate gatherings and social interactions, which are crucial for emotional support.

The strategic orientation of the building maximizes comfort through passive solar design, minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. This method not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to the overall wellness of the occupants.

For a deeper understanding of the Ecotherapy: Green Healing hospice project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. The architectural ideas presented in this project highlight the innovative application of design principles in creating supportive environments for patients and their families.

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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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