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Circular Sanctuary Crafted With Icelandic Stone And Charred Wood for End-of-Life Care

Author:
Nicole Sokolovitch
Circular Sanctuary Crafted With Icelandic Stone And Charred Wood for End-of-Life Care

Project in-detail

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.

The Andra Hospice Care Center and Chapel, located in Arnarstrapi, Iceland, serves as a dedicated space for end-of-life care. This architectural project integrates key aspects such as healing environments, functionality, and sensitivity to its surroundings. The design aims to provide comfort and dignity for patients and families during critical life transitions.

The architectural form utilizes a circular layout, fostering a sense of community and promoting social interaction while allowing for private reflection. The center is strategically placed on a south-facing cliff, tying the built environment to the scenic landscape, which plays an important role in creating a calming atmosphere.

The design focuses on accessibility and inclusivity. Pathways and communal spaces ensure ease of movement, accommodating varying levels of mobility. The layout encourages visitors to engage with the environment, utilizing landscaped areas that enhance the experience of being in nature.

Architectural Integration of Light and Materials

The project uniquely emphasizes the use of light as a fundamental element. Large windows frame views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the environment but also facilitates a sense of connection to the larger landscape.

Material selection plays a vital role in the project’s design. The combination of wood, stone, glass, and metal creates a cohesive language that resonates with the Icelandic context. Wood introduces warmth, stone provides stability, glass promotes transparency, and metal offers durability. Together, these materials establish a harmonious relationship between the building and its natural setting, reinforcing the themes of life, transition, and reflection.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the Andra Hospice is its circular form, symbolizing unity and continuity. This design fosters an inclusive environment where residents and visitors experience a sense of belonging. The open courtyard within the center facilitates both communal engagement and personal solitude, demonstrating the balance between social interaction and individual needs.

The chapel's design complements the hospice’s mission by providing a serene space for spiritual reflection. Its architectural elements are intentionally understated, focusing on creating a tranquil atmosphere for contemplation. This design approach contrasts with traditional healthcare settings, addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients and families.

The project promotes community engagement by encouraging public use of the space beyond its primary function as a hospice. The design invites local residents to connect with the site, turning the center into a communal place for sharing experiences related to end-of-life care.

For an in-depth exploration of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, consider reviewing the complete project presentation to better understand its thoughtful design approach and underlying principles.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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