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Curvilinear Design With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrated Into A Therapeutic Sanctuary

Authors:
Denise Michelle Madera, Edward Jay Hsueh, Mia Francesca Pustz, Gaela-isabel Sitoy Yap
Curvilinear Design With Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Integrated Into A Therapeutic Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms and the use of cross-laminated timber panels create a harmonious dialogue between the built environment and the desert landscape, serving as a therapeutic sanctuary dedicated to emotional and mental well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms create dynamic spaces that enhance user interaction and flow.
02
Integration of living wall systems improves air quality and connects occupants to nature.
03
Use of weathering steel elements adds durability and character to the façade.
04
Natural daylight is maximized through expansive glass panels, fostering a calming atmosphere.
05
Designed with sensory areas to support diverse therapeutic practices and experiences.
The architectural project Heart + Soul is designed as a therapeutic sanctuary located on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada. This structure prioritizes wellness and emotional healing, incorporating natural elements into its design to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. The project serves as a multipurpose facility that facilitates various therapeutic practices, communal interactions, and personal reflection.

The sanctuary's function is primarily to support mental and emotional well-being, offering spaces for individual meditation, group therapy, and social gatherings. The design emphasizes accessibility and openness, allowing occupants to engage with both the interior and exterior environments seamlessly. The layout is structured to promote connectivity, engagement, and leisure, creating a supportive atmosphere for healing and personal development.

Innovative Spatial Organization
One of the distinctive features of Heart + Soul is its innovative use of spatial organization. The open floor plan integrates communal spaces such as kitchens, therapy rooms, and meditation areas, encouraging both privacy and community interaction. The careful placement of these spaces enhances user experience, allowing for flow and movement throughout the project.

Natural Light and Materiality
Heart + Soul employs an extensive use of glass to maximize natural light, which is fundamental to the design’s therapeutic intentions. This emphasis on light enhances mood and creates a welcoming environment. The material palette consists of laminated timber for structural components, natural stone for pathways, and weathering steel for decorative features. These materials are chosen not only for their aesthetics but also for their sustainability and relationship to the surrounding desert landscape.

Connection with Nature
The integration of landscaping into the architectural framework is another unique aspect of the project. Native plants are interwoven into the design, and pathways guide occupants through outdoor spaces, emphasizing biophilic design principles. The use of a living wall system further strengthens this connection, enabling air purification and creating a calming visual effect within the building.

Therapeutic Environments
Each therapy space designed within Heart + Soul caters specifically to different methods of therapy, from quiet zones for solitary reflection to collaborative areas for group activities. The inclusion of thoughtfully designed sensory areas also highlights the project’s commitment to creating supportive therapeutic environments, allowing users to engage with their senses and connect with their emotions.

For those interested in the architectural aspects of Heart + Soul, exploring the detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide further insights into the project’s thoughtful conception and execution. The interplay of natural and built environments, along with the emphasis on community and wellness, marks Heart + Soul as a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture focused on healing and connection.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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