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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 Next House: USA
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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