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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite for a Healing Environment in Palliative Care

Author:
Nandhara Vieira de souza e silva
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Unite for a Healing Environment in Palliative Care

Project in-detail

With its integration of charred wooden shingles and ecological brick, this hospice creates a serene healing environment that prioritizes natural light and community connection for patients and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while enhancing fire safety.
02
Ecological brick walls contribute to thermal insulation and sustainability.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength with reduced carbon footprint.
04
A central therapeutic garden is visually accessible from all patient rooms.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for maximum natural light and spacious interiors.
The hospice project exemplifies a well-considered architectural design that prioritizes the needs of patients while fostering an environment conducive to healing. This facility integrates elements of community interaction and nature within its overall layout, functioning not only as a place for medical care but also as a supportive journey towards end-of-life experiences.

The design promotes a holistic approach to palliative care, with spaces intended for both individual reflection and communal support. Central to the architectural layout is the incorporation of natural light and ventilation, which enhances patient comfort and creates a soothing environment. The hospice is designed to accommodate a range of activities, allowing for private family gatherings and organized community events.

The primary spaces within the hospice include patient rooms with adjoining private areas for family members, therapy environments, administrative offices, and communal areas such as a central courtyard and therapeutic gardens. The patient rooms are strategically situated to provide views of the gardens and the calming outdoors, reinforcing the connection between nature and wellness. The architectural flow facilitates easy navigation, ensuring that patients and visitors can move seamlessly throughout the facility.

The integration of therapeutic gardens and communal courtyards distinguishes this project from conventional hospice designs. These outdoor spaces are intended to be extensions of the indoor environment, providing tranquil settings where patients can engage with family and nature. The use of ecological brick and natural stone throughout the hospice promotes sustainability while contributing to a calming aesthetic. Glass facades allow an abundance of natural light to permeate the interior, which is essential for enhancing mood and well-being.

Focus on materiality is another notable aspect of this project. Each material has been chosen not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its functional benefits, including thermal comfort and durability. This thoughtful selection is aimed at creating a harmonious atmosphere in which patients feel at ease and families can find solace.

The architectural design prioritizes community and inclusivity, presenting diverse functional areas that support various interactions among patients, families, and staff. Spaces are designated for group activities, intimate gatherings, and personal reflection, encouraging relationships and connectivity within the facility. Moreover, the design has been crafted to reduce feelings of institutionalization, instead resembling a nurtured home where one can feel safe and supported.

This hospice project stands out due to its focus on integrating nature, emphasizing sustainability, and fostering community. These unique design approaches help to create an environment that feels holistic and healing, rather than clinical, offering comfort to individuals during a critical stage of life.

For a deeper understanding of the design, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that reveal the extensive thought process behind this compassionate creation. Through these elements, the project showcases a commitment to enhancing the experience of hospice care.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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