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Circular Sanctuary Crafted with Icelandic Stone and Charred Wood for End-of-Life Care

Circular Sanctuary Crafted with Icelandic Stone and Charred Wood for End-of-Life Care
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Crafted with charred wood shingles and local stone, the design emphasizes a circular layout that fosters community and reflection, creating a dedicated space for end-of-life care.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes communal living while supporting individual reflection.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and aesthetic appeal amid the coastal climate.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide a sustainable structural solution with superior insulation.
04
Integrated landscaping connects indoor spaces with the surrounding nature for therapeutic benefits.
05
A dedicated chapel features minimalistic design elements to foster spiritual contemplation.

### Overview

The Andra Hospice Care Center and Chapel, located in Arnarstrapi, Iceland, is an architectural exploration focused on creating a supportive environment for individuals facing the end of life. The facility's design prioritizes comfort and reflection, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape to foster a sense of peace and introspection for patients and their families. The development emphasizes the connection between the built environment and the natural setting, creating a sanctuary that encapsulates the essence of companionship in difficult times.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The design features a circular layout that promotes community and connection, encouraging interaction among residents and visitors while also providing spaces for solitude. The central open courtyard serves as a gathering area, supporting both social engagement and private contemplation. The chapel, adjacent to the care center, introduces light and nature into its serene environment, enhancing the experience of reflection and spiritual connection.

### Materiality and Natural Integration

The selection of materials, such as wood, glass, stone, and metal, has been thoughtfully executed to reflect the warmth and stability necessary for a hospice setting. Wood lends comfort to interior spaces, while extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and preserves visual connections to the dramatic Icelandic surroundings. Stone roots the structure to its landscape, symbolizing permanence amidst the themes of transition imprinted within the design. These choices not only enhance the aesthetic but also reinforce the hospice's integration with its environment, creating a cohesive experience for users.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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