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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Defining a Therapeutic Hospice Environment

Author:
Eunji Yoon
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Defining a Therapeutic Hospice Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the design creates a seamless connection with nature while fostering a tranquil environment for terminally ill patients receiving palliative care.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and views.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic texture.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features outdoor gardens integrated with the interior layout to promote healing.
05
Designed with varying levels of privacy to accommodate individual patient preferences.

**Overview**
The hospice facility for terminally ill patients is situated in a tranquil environment characterized by abundant greenery. This architectural design prioritizes comfort and tranquility, aiming to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families. The project's approach integrates natural elements and emphasizes a thoughtful spatial organization, thereby fostering an atmosphere that supports palliative care.

**Spatial Strategy**
The design employs a "Gradational Space" concept, where the levels of exposure to nature, privacy, and communal areas are carefully orchestrated. This spatial organization allows patients to select an appropriate environment based on their preferences, facilitating choices between solitude, social interaction, and nature engagement. Key areas include a main communal hall that connects to outdoor gardens, patient rooms with expansive windows for natural light and privacy, and a serene chapel designed for reflection and prayer. Each space is strategically positioned to maximize both comfort and accessibility.

**Materiality and Environmental Considerations**
Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving the hospice's aesthetic and functional goals. Wood is extensively used for structural elements and interiors, creating a warm atmosphere, while large glass windows foster a connection with the outdoors and enhance daylighting. Stone pavers in outdoor areas offer durability and complement the natural landscape, and soft furnishings contribute to a cozy ambiance while ensuring privacy.

Environmental sustainability is addressed through the hospice's layout, allowing for natural ventilation and passive heating to reduce energy consumption. The design is aligned with the local climate and incorporates various sustainable practices, minimizing the ecological footprint while maintaining patient comfort. Universal design principles ensure accessibility for all patients, with features such as wider corridors and ramp access integrated throughout the facility.

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

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Competition organisers

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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