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Circular Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Panels for Holistic Healing Spaces

Authors:
Dominika Bednarek, Aleksandra Tarnowska
Circular Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Panels for Holistic Healing Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing a circular layout with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, this hospice creates a nurturing environment that prioritizes family interaction and therapeutic access to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glazed walls enhance natural light and connect patients to the surrounding landscape.
02
Circular layout promotes accessibility and fosters family interactions throughout the facility.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and integrate with the natural environment.
04
Dedicated therapeutic gardens support alternative therapies alongside traditional care.
05
Convertible family rooms allow for flexible use and enhance patient visits.

The "Homely Hospice" project is an architectural undertaking designed to provide a comforting and supportive environment for terminally ill patients and their families. Located in a serene natural setting, the project prioritizes the integration of healthcare, emotional support, and family connection. By evoking a domestic ambiance, the hospice seeks to redefine the experience of end-of-life care, moving away from traditional clinical environments.

The architectural design incorporates natural elements, promoting well-being through the relationship between the built and natural environments. Key functional areas include private patient rooms, communal spaces for family gatherings, and dedicated therapeutic areas. The layout enhances movement throughout the space, facilitating interaction among families and caregivers, which is essential in hospice settings.

Designing for Comfort and Healing

One of the defining characteristics of the "Homely Hospice" is its circular layout, which facilitates easy navigation and encourages communication among patients and their visitors. This unique organization contrasts sharply with the linear designs typical of many healthcare facilities. The interior spaces are configured to foster family engagement, with private rooms equipped with convertible furniture to accommodate visitors.

The design also embraces significant use of glazing. Large windows and sliding glass doors maximize the influx of natural light while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. This connection to the outdoors not only enhances aesthetic quality but also serves therapeutic purposes, allowing patients to engage with their environment.

Integration of Nature and Therapy

The architectural design emphasizes nature's role in healing. Landscaped gardens and outdoor therapy areas are seamlessly integrated into the facility, creating spaces where patients can participate in activities that include interaction with therapy animals. These thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces promote mental well-being and physical activity, essential components of holistic care.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s success. The use of sustainable materials such as wood, concrete, and extensive glazing contributes to the homely atmosphere. Wood offers warmth and comfort, while concrete lends structural stability and sound attenuation necessary for quiet reflection. Green roof systems enhance insulation, contributing to overall energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

With its family-centric approach, unique spatial organization, and thoughtful material choices, the "Homely Hospice" stands apart from typical hospice facilities. The architectural design focuses on creating a meaningful and comfortable environment that prioritizes patient dignity and familial support.

For an in-depth understanding of the project’s architectural plans, sections, and details, it is encouraged to explore the project presentation. This examination will provide further insight into the innovative architectural ideas and design strategies applied throughout.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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