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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Harmonious Hospice Set Within a Central Courtyard

Authors:
Francesca Marsili, Andrea Sichi
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping a Harmonious Hospice Set Within a Central Courtyard

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles create a durable envelope for a hospice designed around a central courtyard, enhancing natural light and communal spaces to support the emotional needs of terminally ill patients.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance aesthetic appeal while providing fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A central courtyard design promotes natural ventilation and light throughout the facility.
04
The bent A-frame structure allows for efficient use of space and encourages communal interaction.
05
Landscaped healing gardens are integrated to support therapeutic activities and outdoor access.
The Medici Refuge is an architectural design project focusing on a hospice for terminally ill patients, emphasizing a blend of functionality and comfort. Located in a tranquil environment, it aims to provide a supportive atmosphere for patients and their families during difficult times. The project's design is informed by principles of holistic care, catering to the emotional and physical needs of its users while fostering a sense of community and connection with nature.

A central courtyard acts as the heart of the facility, promoting outdoor interaction and creating a calming environment. The design incorporates various communal spaces that encourage social interaction among patients and their families, combating the isolation often associated with terminal illness. This layout reflects a patient-centered approach, ensuring accessibility and comfort throughout the building.

Careful material selection plays a crucial role in the overall design. The project utilizes glass to maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors. Wood adds warmth to the interiors, while stone provides durability and timelessness. Concrete is employed strategically for structural elements, ensuring longevity. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the hospice but also contribute to its overall functionality.

Innovative spatial organization is a hallmark of the Medici Refuge. The ground floor consists of semi-public and private spaces, including patient rooms, therapy areas, and communal dining spaces. Generous room dimensions cater to both patients and their families, with large windows and private balconies offering views of landscaped gardens. The design promotes a feeling of openness, mitigating the typical clinical atmosphere found in healthcare facilities.

The inclusion of a vertical tower serves as a distinctive feature of the design. Housing multipurpose therapy rooms, it provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This unique design approach enhances spatial experience while ensuring accessibility to various parts of the building. The integration of healing gardens and thoughtfully designed pathways encourages patients to engage with their surroundings, further supporting the therapeutic objectives of the project.

Medici Refuge represents a thoughtful synthesis of architecture and care. By emphasizing the importance of communal spaces and natural elements, the project reframes the experience of hospice care. To learn more about this architectural design, including the architectural plans and sections that detail its innovative features, readers are encouraged to explore additional elements of the project presentation for greater insight into its design intentions.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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