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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.

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

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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