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Corten Steel Facades and Water Gardens in a Timber-Focused Hospice Facility

Author:
Nagyeong Kim
Corten Steel Facades and Water Gardens in a Timber-Focused Hospice Facility

Project in-detail

Emphasizing Corten steel facades and integrating tranquil water gardens, the hospice facility merges natural materials with a therapeutic environment, designed to support the emotional journey of patients and families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel facades enhance durability while blending with the natural landscape.
02
Floating water gardens provide therapeutic spaces for reflection and tranquility.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to sustainable building practices.
04
The facility's layout features a continuous loop, promoting ease of movement.
05
Charred wooden shingles add a unique aesthetic while enhancing weather resistance.

### Overview

Located in Yangsu-ri, Yeoju City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, the Life Box hospice facility is designed to support patients and their families during critical life transitions. The architecture seeks to create an environment where the acceptance of mortality can be facilitated through thoughtful spatial arrangements that reflect the emotional and physical aspects of this journey. By harmonizing the built environment with the natural landscape, the project aims to create a space conducive to contemplation and comfort.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The spatial arrangement consists of interconnected cubic forms, each representing distinct functions such as reflection, communication, and communal support. This design encourages a flow that transitions from public to private spaces, mirroring the journey from life to contemplation. Public areas such as the reception, library, and communal gathering rooms foster social interaction, while private patient rooms and designated therapeutic spaces provide solitude and opportunities for introspection. Key features, including a chapel and a floating box, are specifically designed to deepen emotional connections and offer moments of healing.

### Material Selection and Integration with Nature

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in establishing a relationship between the building and its environment. Wood is primarily used for structural elements, providing warmth and a tactile connection. Large glass windows enhance the influx of natural light and maintain visual connectivity with the outdoor landscape. Corten steel elements add durability and texture while blending with the project's earthy tones. Water features, such as a floating pool and water garden, serve both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, promoting relaxation and engagement with nature. This thoughtful incorporation of materials and natural elements underscores the facility’s commitment to emotional resonance and sustainability.

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

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Competition organisers

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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