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Curved Concrete and Glass Sanctuary with Native Landscaping for Hospice Care

Curved Concrete and Glass Sanctuary with Native Landscaping for Hospice Care
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Blending curved concrete forms with expansive glass, this hospice home incorporates native landscaping to create a serene environment that prioritizes comfort and community for terminally ill patients.
5 key facts about this project
01
Blending curved forms with a bent A-frame structure enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to sustainability and thermal performance.
03
The incorporation of charred wooden shingles provides a unique exterior finish that enhances durability.
04
The design features thematic gardens tailored for therapeutic and contemplative purposes.
05
Large glass windows optimize natural light while maximizing views of the surrounding landscape.

### Project Overview

"Fading Water" is a hospice home designed for terminally ill patients, situated in a coastal location that emphasizes tranquility and reflection. The intent behind the project is to create a serene environment that supports both patients and their families, facilitating experiences of comfort and community. The design integrates architectural elements with the natural landscape to enhance the overall experience and promote healing.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial strategy of "Fading Water" is centered around a series of interconnected hubs that serve specific functions while allowing for fluid transitions between areas. Key components include:

1. **Thematic Gardens:** Designed for therapeutic experiences, these gardens accommodate diverse plants and settings tailored for meditation, sensory engagement, and horticultural therapy, fostering a connection to the local ecosystem.

2. **Living Spaces:** Emphasizing a home-like atmosphere, residential areas prioritize privacy while enabling family visitation. The design features open and inviting layouts that offer quiet areas for personal reflection.

3. **Community Spaces:** Communal lounges and kitchen areas are designed to enhance social interaction, allowing patients to engage with loved ones and fellow residents. Activity zones are designated for group engagements, such as meals and creative pursuits.

4. **Spiritual Spaces:** A dedicated chapel provides a point of reflection and comfort for those seeking spiritual solace.

### Materiality

Material selection plays a crucial role in conveying comfort and emotional resonance within the hospice. Notable choices include:

- **Concrete:** Selected for its durability and compatibility with the natural environment, contributing to the structure's longevity.
- **Glass:** Generously utilized for large windows, it optimizes natural light penetration, enhancing interior spaces and uplifting the atmosphere.
- **Timber:** Employed for finishes in communal areas, adding warmth and inviting texture that echoes natural forms.
- **Stone:** Used in both interior and landscape designs, stone creates a rustic ambiance that forges a visual connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
- **Landscape Integration:** Native plant species are purposely integrated throughout the site to promote biodiversity and strengthen the connection between the architecture and its ecological context.

### Special Features

Key features of “Fading Water” focus on enhancing the user experience for terminally ill patients and their families. The design optimizes natural light through strategically placed windows and skylights, fostering moods conducive to healing. The flowing architectural forms enhance an organic feel, counteracting the starkness of conventional clinical environments. Furthermore, the diverse range of communal, private, and spiritual spaces accommodates a spectrum of emotional needs, allowing for personalization in these critical moments.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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