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

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

### Project Overview
The Circle of Care is an architectural design established as a hospice and oncology center in Warsaw, Poland, aimed at addressing the specific needs of terminally ill patients in urban settings. The facility is designed to foster community interactions and support essential care, integrating therapeutic spaces that enhance the quality of life for individuals during end-of-life stages.

### Spatial Configuration
The circular layout of the facility is a central organizing principle, symbolizing wholeness and continuity. It comprises distinct zones that cater to various needs:

- **Solitude Areas:** Private spaces designated for reflection and emotional well-being.
- **Community Spaces:** Areas for group activities, including shared meals and events, that facilitate social interaction among patients and their families.
- **Natural Integration:** Gardens and outdoor spaces designed to promote tranquility and connection with nature.
- **Support Zones:** Dedicated rooms for therapeutic sessions where patients can engage with peers.
- **Care Facilities:** Accessible areas where medical services and support are provided to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a defining aspect of the project's design, contributing to a calming and therapeutic atmosphere.

- **Wood:** Used extensively in structural elements, offering warmth and comfort, with an emphasis on locally sourced timber to connect the facility to its surroundings.
- **Glass:** Implemented in windows and partitions to maximize natural light and provide views of landscaped environments, fostering transparency and openness.
- **Concrete:** Incorporated into flooring and structural supports, delivering durability while harmonizing with the natural stone textures in the garden areas.

The thoughtful interplay of these materials creates a cohesive environment that balances functionality and aesthetic value.

### Community and Therapeutic Considerations
The design encourages community integration through pathways and communal spaces that welcome visitors, promoting interactions between the facility and its urban context. Unique therapeutic design elements are incorporated to address emotional care, which is often overlooked in traditional healthcare facilities. The abundance of landscaped gardens serves as an in-house retreat, leveraging natural elements to support the mental health and well-being of patients.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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