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Curved Concrete and Glass Sanctuary with Native Landscaping for Hospice Care

Authors:
Pedro Felipe Romero Wayar, Florentin Mougin, Anne Sok
Curved Concrete and Glass Sanctuary with Native Landscaping for Hospice Care

Project in-detail

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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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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