Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Haven Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Tranquil Care

Authors:
Arthur Hamelers, Joost Hoepman
Circular Haven Crafted With Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Tranquil Care

Project in-detail

With a circular layout crafted from cross-laminated timber and accented by charred wooden shingles, this hospice fosters a tranquil environment that intertwines nature and care for individuals at the end of life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular layout enhances community interaction and personal reflection, encouraging connections among residents.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while promoting sustainability through renewable materials.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a visually appealing facade that also protects against weathering and decay.
04
Landscaped gardens surrounding the building offer residents direct access to nature, fostering a calming atmosphere.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light, creating warm and inviting interior spaces for occupants.
Tide House is an architectural project designed as a hospice located within the serene setting of Velvique National Park. This project represents a compassionate approach to care during life’s final stages, emphasizing both dignity and comfort for residents and their families. By integrating nature into the built environment, Tide House creates a space where healing is supported by the surroundings, inviting residents to find solace in an environment that respects the natural world.

The primary function of Tide House is to provide a sanctuary for individuals facing terminal illnesses, fostering an atmosphere of peace, reflection, and community. This design extends beyond traditional healthcare facilities, aiming to create an inviting atmosphere where patients can live their final days in comfort. The layout and arrangement of spaces are thoughtfully conceived to cater to both communal gatherings and personal solitude, giving inhabitants the freedom to choose how they engage with others or retreat into their private thoughts.

A crucial element of the project is its circular layout, which promotes connectivity among various spaces while allowing for a seamless flow of movement. The central gathering area stands as the heart of Tide House, featuring expansive glass openings that frame views of the lush landscape. This space serves as a communal hub, encouraging interactions among residents, their families, and visitors. Surrounding this central space are individual rooms designed with privacy in mind while still maintaining a connection to nature through carefully placed windows that capture natural light and scenic vistas.

In addition to living quarters, Tide House incorporates distinctive facilities such as a chapel that offers a serene space for contemplation and a library that serves as a calming retreat for reading and relaxation. The integration of these communal and private areas underscores the project’s commitment to meeting varied human needs during this sensitive phase of life. Furthermore, it includes a kitchen and dining area, reinforcing the importance of shared meals and fostering a sense of community among residents.

Tide House also stands out for its thoughtful choice of materials, emphasizing sustainability while ensuring a warm, welcoming aesthetic. The project employs laminated wood for its structural elements, creating an organic feel that resonates with its natural surroundings. Concrete flooring is utilized for its durability and thermal properties, fostering a sense of stability throughout the space. Additionally, the wooden facade serves to harmonize the structure with the landscape, while steel detailing adds a contemporary touch. The inclusion of a green roof enhances biodiversity and promotes environmental stewardship, aligning with broader ecological principles.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout Tide House. The emphasis on the circular layout encourages inclusivity, allowing residents to experience a sense of belonging. This design contrasts sharply with traditional linear health facilities, creating spaces that nurture human connections while offering the comfort of personal retreat. The project invites occupants to engage with nature actively, whether through gardens, landscaped areas, or the natural light flooding interior spaces.

Overall, Tide House transcends conventional hospice design by prioritizing an interconnected relationship between the built environment and its landscape. The project emphasizes care, understanding, and human connection, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for residents and their families. For a more in-depth exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural ideas that underpin Tide House, readers are encouraged to engage with the project presentation. This exploration offers valuable insights into how thoughtful architectural design can enhance the experience of individuals facing life’s final challenges within a nurturing environment.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy