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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Healing Spaces in a Community-Focused Design

Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Enhance Healing Spaces in a Community-Focused Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, this community-centered facility fosters healing through biophilic design while providing versatile spaces for rehabilitation and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes therapeutic gardens integrated into the layout for a calming environment.
05
Prioritizes biophilic elements to strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview

Located in a serene environment, the project is designed to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its visitors. It integrates modern architectural practices with natural elements, creating spaces conducive to rehabilitation, education, and community engagement. The design ethos is inspired by the metaphor of a butterfly, signifying renewal and transformation.

### Spatial Strategy and Site Planning

The layout maximizes the advantages of the site’s natural features and orientation, emphasizing accessibility and interaction. Communal spaces, including a main chapel, recreational areas, gardens, and therapy zones, are interconnected via pathways that encourage movement and foster connections with the surrounding landscape. The ground floor is designed to accommodate essential functions such as reception and communal areas, while the first floor includes private therapy spaces. The design prioritizes natural light throughout, enhancing comfort and user experience.

### Materiality and Architectural Detailing

Material selection plays a crucial role in articulating the project's mission. Wood is employed for its warmth, fostering a tranquil environment, while glass is utilized to maximize daylight and provide expansive views. Stone is specifically featured in the chapel, contributing a sense of permanence and grounding. The façade combines modern interpretations of traditional forms with an emphasis on transparency, facilitating connections to the exterior. Textured wooden elements in the façade introduce a tactile quality, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow.

### Integration of Biophilic Design

Biophilic design principles are central to creating a healing environment. The incorporation of thematic butterfly gardens offers therapeutic landscapes that promote relaxation. Water features are thoughtfully integrated to provide soothing acoustic and visual experiences, further enhancing the overall atmosphere. The design aims to elevate emotional well-being through open, light-filled spaces and encourages community engagement through thoughtfully designed shared areas. Sustainable practices are embedded in the architectural approach, utilizing natural materials and considering environmental impact throughout the design process.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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