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

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

### Overview
Located in proximity to the West Park Healthcare Center in Toronto, Ontario, this hospice project is designed to foster health and wellness through its architectural framework. The intent is to prioritize the well-being of patients and their families while maintaining a coherent relationship with the natural environment. The design integrates therapeutic concepts, focusing on the positive engagement with surroundings that can facilitate emotional and mental healing.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of the hospice emphasizes ease of movement and access, employing a rectilinear form that promotes clear navigation among patients, visitors, and staff. A prominent entrance leads to an indoor garden, creating a calming atmosphere that supports a smooth transition upon arrival. Interior spaces are characterized by large glass windows, enhancing visual connections with nature and maximizing natural light, which contributes to a less confining environment. Communal areas are strategically placed to encourage social interactions, essential for enhancing patients' emotional health and reducing feelings of isolation.

### Material Selection
Sustainability and aesthetic considerations informed the choice of materials throughout the project. Structural steel is utilized for the roof truss system, allowing for open spaces while providing durability. Large, energy-efficient glass panels not only flood interior spaces with natural light but also minimize reliance on artificial lighting. Natural stone and textured wall panels ensure an organic connection to the environment, creating a soothing ambiance. The use of wood, both structurally and decoratively, adds warmth, while sustainable composite materials align with the project’s commitment to environmental consciousness. The design incorporates features that enhance natural ventilation and light optimization, supporting an efficient indoor climate that is both sustainable and comfortable.

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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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