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Ecological Bricks and Light Tunnels Enhance Comfort in Hospice Care

Author:
Nandhara Vieira de souza e silva
Ecological Bricks and Light Tunnels Enhance Comfort in Hospice Care

Project in-detail

A light tunnel filters natural illumination into a serene ecumenical space, while ecological bricks create a nurturing environment that supports holistic care for patients and their families in a hospice setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Therapeutic garden integrates natural views for patient reflection.
02
Light tunnel enhances sensory experience within the ecumenical space.
03
Ecological bricks improve thermal comfort and sustainability.
04
Central patio fosters community interaction and connection.
05
Designed for holistic care, addressing spiritual and emotional needs.

The design focuses on creating a compassionate environment for hospice care that addresses both physical and emotional needs. Located in a serene setting, it uses the concept of total pain, as defined by Cicely Saunders. The architecture aims to integrate spiritual, physical, social, and emotional dimensions, fostering an atmosphere of dignity and comfort for patients and their families. The overall design seeks to support meaningful connections, enhancing the experience of all who enter the space.

Architectural Framework
The layout is organized into two main sectors: one that represents human existence and another that embodies the natural world. These sectors are connected by a central patio that encourages interaction and fosters an appreciation of the surroundings. The design of individual spaces is deliberate, enabling significant relationships and enhancing the experience for everyone involved in hospice care.

Therapeutic Spaces
Features like a therapeutic garden provide views of the landscape, allowing for quiet moments of reflection and peace. The incorporation of an ecumenical space promotes spiritual well-being. Placed among greenery, this space becomes a refuge for contemplation. Access occurs through a tunnel that allows natural light to filter in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Community Focus
The design emphasizes communal areas, particularly the kitchen and dining room. Placing these spaces at the center encourages social interactions among patients and families, highlighting the importance of connection and support in the hospice environment. Creating opportunities for shared experiences contributes to a nurturing atmosphere, vital for those facing the end of life.

Material Considerations
An ecological brick system is used to enhance thermal comfort within the facility. Large openings and internal patios facilitate natural ventilation, promoting a healthy living space. Water mirrors not only add visual appeal but also improve thermal performance, connecting the architecture to the landscape. Abundant vegetation plays a key role in creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature. Strategic eaves provide shade and help regulate temperature, contributing to overall sustainability.

In the hospice, light and texture are thoughtfully integrated to create an environment that supports reflection and connection. The spaces are designed to be nurturing and comforting, addressing the complexities of the journey faced by patients and families at the end of life.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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