Architecture project // Curvilinear Concrete Volumes Creating Tranquil Spaces Overlooking Coastal Serenity

Curvilinear Concrete Volumes Creating Tranquil Spaces Overlooking Coastal Serenity

Authors:

Yolande Wen, Peihao Jin

Defined by its curvilinear concrete forms that connect seamlessly with the coastal landscape, the design provides a tranquil environment for patients to reflect and recover.

5 key facts about this project

Curvilinear concrete forms enhance the connection to the coastal landscape.

Natural light is strategically used to create dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.

Individual patient rooms are designed for maximum privacy while remaining accessible to communal areas.

The building includes a balcony garden that promotes engagement with nature.

Therapeutic spaces are incorporated for both physiological and psychological treatments.

General keywords

hong kong healthcare refuge coastal concrete reflection tranquility patients library courtyard

Project specific keywords

starfish bay curvilinear natural light balcony garden psychological treatment

The design titled "Inward, to the Sea" is set in Starfish Bay, Hong Kong. It aims to provide a peaceful space for patients, allowing them to reflect and relax while enjoying picturesque views of the coast. The concept revolves around blending land and water, creating a balance between solid and void. The building faces the ocean, forming a protected area characterized by an interplay of curves and straight lines.

Form and Materiality
Concrete is the primary building material used, offering both strength and a contemporary appearance. This choice supports the structure’s durability while contributing to the overall feeling of warmth that the design aims to achieve. The combination of solid and fluid forms connects the building to its coastal surroundings, enhancing the experience of peace and calm that the environment is intended to provide.

Spatial Organization
The first floor features essential spaces such as the entrance, living and dining area, chapel, library, patio, and courtyard. Each area is carefully arranged to encourage easy movement, allowing users to move smoothly between communal spaces and private corners. This layout is designed to promote both social interaction and personal contemplation, important elements for those in need of healing.

Therapeutic Spaces
On the second floor, individual patient rooms accompany an activity space, a library loft, and a staircase for ease of access. This configuration focuses on ensuring privacy while still connecting to areas designed for group activities. The goal is to create personal retreats that also accommodate community engagement and support.

The third floor expands the design to include an outdoor patio, rooms for physiological and psychological treatment, a bathroom, a balcony garden, and another library loft. These components enrich the therapeutic layout of the building, aiming for a comprehensive approach to well-being. Direct connections to nature are essential, as both the balcony garden and outdoor patio encourage engagement with the environment.

Natural light flows through the openings in the structure, creating shifting patterns of shadow as the day progresses. This light adds to the atmosphere, fostering a sense of tranquility and inviting reflection and serenity.