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Curvilinear Design Featuring Glass and Natural Wood in a Coastal Healing Sanctuary

Curvilinear Design Featuring Glass and Natural Wood in a Coastal Healing Sanctuary
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Curvilinear glass walls and natural wood elements define a coastal sanctuary designed to provide healing spaces for terminally ill patients and their families, fostering both community connection and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear architectural form mimics coastal waves, enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.
02
Extensive use of glass creates uninterrupted views of the sea, promoting a soothing atmosphere.
03
Innovative cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while ensuring sustainable sourcing.
04
Charred wooden shingles enhance longevity and offer a unique aesthetic that blends with the landscape.
05
Therapeutic water features are integrated throughout to foster relaxation and tranquility within the sanctuary.

### Project Overview

"Reflections" serves as a seaside sanctuary for terminally ill patients, located on a serene sand spit in Poland. The design emphasizes a supportive atmosphere that accommodates communal activities while facilitating individual reflection, aiming to enhance the overall well-being of patients and their families. This holistic approach prioritizes thoughtful spatial organization, material selection, and an interaction with the natural landscape to promote a nurturing environment.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Areas

The layout integrates an open-plan design that is divided into distinct yet interconnected zones, each tailored to specific functions and interactions. Key areas include a library for quiet contemplation, a gathering room for social engagements, a therapy room dedicated to healing, a chapel for meditation, a communal dining room, a swimming pool for relaxation, and a nurse's area designed for care management while maintaining patient privacy. This intentional arrangement balances communal spaces with private retreats, accommodating a range of activities and personal needs.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The choice of materials significantly contributes to the sanctuary's aesthetic and therapeutic ambiance. Glass is prominently used to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views of the sea, symbolizing transparency and clarity. Wood is incorporated for structural elements and finishes, adding warmth and fostering a calming atmosphere. Polished concrete ensures durability, complementing the delicate glass features. Natural fabrics in soft furnishings enhance comfort, while water features introduce soothing auditory elements.

Sustainability is a core consideration, with strategies for natural ventilation and passive solar heating designed to optimize energy efficiency. The design also includes strategically placed greenery that purifies the air and fosters a connection to nature, vital for the healing process. Overall, these elements work in concert to create a space that supports both the physical and emotional needs of its users.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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