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Circular Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light for End-of-Life Care

Authors:
Piotr Dariusz Idzikowski, Weronika Deszczka
Circular Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light for End-of-Life Care

Project in-detail

With a circular layout embracing natural light and integrating charred wooden shingles, the facility offers a nurturing environment designed for end-of-life care and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular layout fosters community interaction and emotional support among patients.
02
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporation of cross-laminated timber panels allows for efficient construction and sustainability.
04
Design features large glass facades that promote natural light and connect indoor spaces with nature.
05
Dedicated support areas are integrated seamlessly, prioritizing patient-centered care and accessibility.
The "Circle of Care" is an architectural project situated in an urban environment, intended to serve as a hospice and oncology center. This facility is designed to cater to the unique needs of terminally ill patients, fostering a supportive environment that encourages social interaction while providing necessary medical care. The circular layout symbolizes wholeness and continuity, promoting community cohesion and facilitating a network of support among patients, families, and staff.

The design prioritizes both private and communal spaces, integrating various functions that address the emotional and physical requirements of patients at the end of life. Private areas for solitude are juxtaposed with open spaces that encourage socialization, while landscaped gardens and outdoor areas are included to enhance patient well-being through contact with nature. Additional features include dedicated areas for support groups and practical medical zones, ensuring accessibility and efficient care delivery.

Architectural Features and Unique Design Elements

The project employs a distinctive architectural language through the circular layout, which contrasts with conventional linear designs found in typical healthcare facilities. This method facilitates easier navigation and creates a sense of inclusivity. Key architectural features include large glass facades that provide ample natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The extensive use of windows also emphasizes transparency and openness, reducing the feeling of confinement often experienced in medical environments.

Landscaped gardens play a pivotal role in the design, carefully integrated to allow patients access to tranquil outdoor settings that promote relaxation and reflection. These green spaces are designed to be inclusive, inviting not just patients but also families and community members to engage with the facility.

Material Selection and Functionality

The materials used in the construction reflect a thoughtful approach to durability and aesthetics. Wood is incorporated throughout to create warm and inviting spaces while providing structural support. Concrete is utilized in key load-bearing elements, offering longevity and stability. The integration of glass not only maximizes light penetration but also establishes visual connectivity between interior spaces and the surrounding environment.

This project stands out through its commitment to emotional care, which is often overlooked in healthcare design. By creating spaces that blend therapeutic elements with functional requirements, this facility responds to the significant need for a supportive atmosphere for terminally ill patients.

The "Circle of Care" presents a comprehensive approach to hospice architecture, emphasizing community interaction and patient well-being. Readers interested in further exploring the specific architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs of this project are encouraged to review the complete presentation of the project for a deeper understanding of its innovative architectural ideas and design strategies.
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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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