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Corten Steel Framework and Therapeutic Gardens Define a Contemporary Hospice Design

Corten Steel Framework and Therapeutic Gardens Define a Contemporary Hospice Design
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With a framework of Corten steel and extensive therapeutic gardens, the design creates a calming environment tailored for hospice care, emphasizing connections between nature and the well-being of patients and families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel exterior harmonizes with the natural landscape.
02
Extensive therapeutic gardens designed for patient interaction and reflection.
03
Patient rooms feature panoramic views of surrounding green spaces.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure rapid construction and sustainability.

## Architectural Report on the 'Tree of Life' Project

### Overview
Located within a tranquil setting, the 'Tree of Life' serves as a hospice for terminally ill patients, emphasizing a therapeutic environment that harmonizes with nature. The design philosophy is inspired by the cedar tree, symbolizing growth and connection, and aims to create a nurturing space for both patients and their families. This report outlines the core design concepts, material choices, and structural layout that contribute to its vision of person-centered care.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the facility reflects the organic structure of a cedar tree, where the central building, representing the trunk, houses essential services such as reception and communal areas. Flanking this core, specialized patient rooms function as branches, with each element thoughtfully designed to enhance the interconnectedness among spaces while providing necessary privacy. An isometric plan illustrates a functional arrangement that supports ease of circulation and access to key areas, including dedicated rooms for various patient needs, all oriented towards maximizing views of the surrounding landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Sustainability is a primary consideration in material selection, with Corten steel chosen for its durability and aesthetic qualities that evoke the appearance of aged cedar. The extensive use of glass ensures optimal natural light and visual connectivity with outdoor gardens, enhancing the therapeutic atmosphere. Wood is incorporated throughout for structural integrity and warmth, creating a familiar and comforting environment. Additionally, natural stone and vegetation in the landscaping reinforce the project's commitment to integrating nature into the healing process, offering an environment conducive to reflection and solace.

Through the deliberate arrangement of spaces and careful selection of materials, the 'Tree of Life' fosters a supportive atmosphere for patients and families at a sensitive time, encapsulating the essence of compassionate design in healthcare architecture.

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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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