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Community healthcare facility featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles in a healing environment

Authors:
AN CHI CHENG, HUA WU CHIA, TING EN WANG
Community healthcare facility featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles in a healing environment

Project in-detail

Nestled within a vibrant greenbelt, this thoughtfully designed community healthcare facility employs cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles to create a nurturing environment that fosters social connections and supports the well-being of cancer patients and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The facility utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design to enhance structural stability while maximizing natural light penetration.
02
Charred wooden shingles are employed for both aesthetic appeal and to improve fire resistance, offering a sustainable solution for exterior cladding.
03
A community kitchen is incorporated, encouraging nutritional education and fostering communal relationships among users.
04
Native landscaping surrounds the building, promoting biodiversity and creating serene outdoor spaces for patients and families to relax.
05
Interior spaces are designed with flexible consulting rooms that can be adapted for group or individual sessions, responding to varying patient needs.
The project represents a harmonious blend of architecture and community engagement, focusing on the interplay between healthcare and social interaction. Positioned strategically within a ten-minute walk from the largest greenbelt in the area, this architectural initiative aims to alleviate social isolation for cancer patients while fostering connections with their families and the surrounding community. It successfully redefines the conventional healthcare facility, transforming it into a multifunctional space that promotes wellness and rehabilitation.

Designed as a community hub, the facility combines essential healthcare services with spaces for gathering, learning, and leisure. The architectural layout is meticulously organized to facilitate various functions while allowing for natural movement and flow. The first floor prominently features a sitting or group activity area, which serves as the heart of the project. This space is designed to encourage social interaction among users, acting as a welcoming environment where residents and patients can come together. Adjacent to the activity area is a lobby that establishes an inviting entry point, followed by a library serving as both a quiet space for contemplation and an informational resource.

Further enhancing the functionality of the first floor, the presence of offices allows healthcare professionals to operate efficiently, while the inclusion of essential toilet and shower facilities ensures convenience for visitors and staff. The second floor is dedicated to more private healthcare functions. Here, consulting rooms designed for both individual and group sessions provide comfortable settings for patient interactions, reinforcing the project’s commitment to confidentiality and patient-centric care. The emergency room directly addresses urgent healthcare needs while remaining integrated within the facility's broader social framework. A kitchen and dining area offer nourishment options, emphasizing the importance of communal meals as a part of the healing process and fostering connections among users.

One of the unique design approaches of this project lies in its focus on materiality. The use of wood, concrete, and glass facilitates a natural aesthetic while ensuring durability and structural integrity. Wood adds warmth to the environment, creating spaces conducive to relaxation and healing. Concrete serves as a robust foundation, while strategically placed glass elements enhance natural light and views, bringing the outdoor environment inside and promoting a sense of connection with nature.

Furthermore, the architectural design incorporates outdoor areas that are not merely adjuncts but integral components of the user experience. These spaces are crafted through cantilevered structures that extend from the upper floors, providing shaded outdoor areas beneath. This innovative design element encourages outdoor activities and gatherings, allowing patients and their families to benefit from fresh air and sunlight, which are essential for emotional well-being.

The landscaping surrounding the facility prioritizes sustainability and includes native planting, which not only enhances the aesthetics but also promotes biodiversity. This thoughtful consideration of natural elements helps bridge the gap between architecture and the environment, reinforcing the project's mission to support recovery and resilience within the community.

Overall, this architectural project exemplifies a progressive approach to healthcare design. By addressing the prevalent issues of social isolation and the need for supportive environments, it successfully creates a welcoming space that prioritizes both the physical and emotional well-being of its users. The integration of healthcare and community elements fosters a culture of support and understanding, essential for both patients and their families.

To delve deeper into the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide a fuller understanding of how this architectural endeavor effectively meets its intended goals while fostering an inclusive environment.
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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
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