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

Authors:
Milena Zofia Pięta, Zuzanna Stanislawska, Sofia Dediulia
Curvilinear Design Featuring Glass and Natural Wood in a Coastal Healing Sanctuary

Project in-detail

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.
"Reflections" is an architectural project designed as a sanctuary for terminally ill patients, strategically located on a coastal site in Poland. The design seeks to support both the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families, providing a space that fosters community while also allowing for individual reflection. The architectural layout ensures that various functions are cohesively integrated to create an accessible and healing environment.

The project consists of multiple interconnected spaces that include a library, gathering room, therapy room, chapel, dining room, swimming pool, and a nurse's area. Each space is purposefully designed to cater to different activities—communal gatherings, quiet reflection, and therapeutic practices—ensuring that the diverse needs of users are met.

The unique design of "Reflections" is defined by its seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The architectural form is characterized by curvilinear lines that mimic the nearby coastline, creating a natural flow that enhances the user experience. Large glass elements are employed throughout the design to maximize natural light and provide uninterrupted views of the sea, reinforcing a strong connection to nature. This thoughtful use of glazing not only creates a light and airy atmosphere but also symbolizes transparency and openness, essential characteristics for such a facility.

Material selection further sets this project apart from others in the healthcare domain. The use of glass, wood, concrete, and natural fabrics is strategically chosen to evoke comfort and warmth. Glass not only facilitates appropriate daylighting but also minimizes barriers between inside and outside, while wood and concrete provide structural integrity and aesthetic warmth. The incorporation of water features throughout the site enhances ambiance, promoting tranquility and relaxation.

Sustainability is another core aspect of the architectural design. "Reflections" incorporates passive solar heating and natural ventilation strategies to create an energy-efficient facility. The careful placement of windows and the use of thermal mass contribute to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, the introduction of living greenery within the building reinforces the connection to the environment and supports both psychological and physical well-being.

Each aspect of "Reflections" is carefully considered to promote a holistic approach to care. The distinctive architectural forms, thoughtful material choices, and sustainable strategies work together to create a space that serves as a refuge and support system for those navigating end-of-life challenges.

Readers interested in the project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the underlying ideas and functionalities that differentiate "Reflections" from conventional healthcare facilities.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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