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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Views in a Community-Centric Wellness Facility

Authors:
Allison Acosta, Matilde Mediza
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Views in a Community-Centric Wellness Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades, this wellness facility harmoniously connects its therapeutic environments with surrounding landscapes to foster community and recovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
The wellness facility features a unique blend of charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and fire resistance while offering an appealing aesthetic.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but also creates warm, inviting interior spaces.
03
The design incorporates large expanses of glass to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a deep connection with nature.
04
An organic garden is integrated into the facility, promoting therapeutic gardening activities that encourage resident engagement with the environment.
05
The bent A-frame design not only adds architectural interest but also improves structural performance while providing sheltered outdoor spaces for relaxation and social interaction.
The Lairia Wellness Center is an architectural project situated in Portugal, dedicated to providing a serene environment for rehabilitation and wellness services. This facility reflects an understanding of the evolving needs of healthcare architecture, aiming not only to cater to the physical health of its residents but also to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being. By offering various therapeutic and communal spaces, the project integrates a holistic approach to wellness that extends beyond traditional medical care.

At its core, the Lairia Wellness Center represents a commitment to creating a nurturing environment. It serves multiple functions, including residential rooms, therapy spaces, communal dining areas, and activity rooms designed for workshops and social interaction. This multifunctionality is essential, as it encourages communal bonding among residents while also providing private spaces for reflection and recovery.

The architectural composition of the center is characterized by a contemporary design philosophy that emphasizes both form and function. The building is organized into three main levels; the ground floor serves as the heart of the center, hosting communal facilities such as the dining area and kitchen. This design fosters interaction among residents and staff, essential for building a supportive community. The upper levels consist of residential suites, which have been strategically positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to flood the interiors.

One of the key features of the project is its thoughtful integration with the site’s natural topography. Perched on a gentle hillside, the Lairia Wellness Center takes full advantage of its geographical location to create inviting outdoor spaces. These areas include balconies, terraces, and an organic garden, encouraging residents to engage with nature, which is known to have therapeutic benefits. Such outdoor spaces promote relaxation and physical activity, bridging the gap between the indoors and the world outside.

The unique design approaches employed in this project are evident in its materiality and spatial organization. The selection of materials has been carefully considered to create a harmonious atmosphere. Concrete is used as a primary structural element, providing both durability and thermal mass to help regulate the building's internal climate. Expansive glass façades not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the architecture but also connect the interior spaces to the beautiful views, allowing residents to enjoy the natural surroundings from the comfort of their own rooms. The extensive use of wood in the design provides warmth and comfort, fostering a sense of home.

Moreover, the design promotes accessibility with wide corridors and thoughtfully placed communal spaces, allowing residents, including those with mobility limitations, to navigate the building with ease. The layout considers the flow between different areas, making day-to-day life more manageable and enhancing the overall experience of living in the center.

The architectural design also integrates sustainable practices, from the selection of materials to the incorporation of natural ventilation strategies. The organic garden not only serves therapeutic purposes but also fosters a sustainable lifestyle among residents, encouraging them to participate in gardening as a form of therapy. This interplay between architecture and nature embodies the project's vision of wellness.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Lairia Wellness Center will provide additional insights into how these components coalesce into a cohesive project focused on improving quality of life. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural ideas that shape this center, as doing so can reveal the thoughtful choices made throughout its design process. The Lairia Wellness Center stands as a testament to how architecture can respond to human needs, creating spaces that are not only functional but also enriching and supportive to those who inhabit them.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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