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Ecological Haven Crafted with Glue-Laminated Timber and Expansive Greenery for Pediatric Care

Authors:
David Anania, Benjamin Turk
Ecological Haven Crafted with Glue-Laminated Timber and Expansive Greenery for Pediatric Care

Project in-detail

Constructed with glue-laminated timber and designed around a central courtyard, the facility fosters a calming, nature-infused environment for pediatric palliative care.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with glue-laminated timber for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Features a central courtyard designed for therapeutic outdoor activities.
03
Incorporates expansive glass panels to maximize natural light.
04
Utilizes eco-friendly materials to promote a sustainable environment.
05
Designed with flexible spaces to accommodate diverse family interactions.

The Upstream Children's Hospice is an architectural project designed to provide care and support for children with life-limiting conditions. Located in a serene setting near a river, the hospice aims to create a soothing environment that prioritizes comfort and emotional well-being for its young residents and their families. The design integrates thoughtful spatial arrangements and material choices to enhance healing experiences and foster connections.

The primary function of this hospice is to serve as a space for palliative care, where families can spend quality time together while addressing the complex needs of children in delicate health situations. The layout consists of interconnected buildings that include private rooms, communal areas, and outdoor spaces, all aiming to promote interactions while maintaining privacy.

Spatial Organization and Connection to Nature

The architectural design emphasizes a central courtyard surrounded by landscaped gardens. This layout facilitates natural light and fresh air to permeate the spaces, enhancing the physical and psychological comfort for its occupants. The landscaped areas encourage outdoor activities and provide tranquil settings for contemplation. Pathways within the gardens connect different functional areas, ensuring accessibility while promoting engagement with nature.

Unique design approaches include the integration of various levels that allow for distinct functionalities. Communal areas are spacious and designed for gatherings, while private rooms provide necessary solitude when required. Flexible spatial planning accommodates the diverse needs of families, ensuring that each space maintains its purpose while feeling interconnected with the larger environment.

Material Choices and Sustainability

A significant focus of the Upstream Children's Hospice is on material selection that promotes both durability and warmth. Key materials used in the construction include glue-laminated timber, glass, concrete, wood cladding, and natural stone. Glue-laminated timber provides structural support while creating an inviting interior atmosphere. The extensive use of glass enhances visibility and allows natural light to fill the spaces, contributing to a sense of openness.

Sustainability is integrated into the architectural approach, reflected in energy-efficient building systems, potential green roofs, and rainwater management strategies. These elements not only reduce the environmental impact but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for residents.

Exploration and Insight

The Upstream Children's Hospice represents a thoughtful approach to architecture in the realm of palliative care, balancing the need for functionality with an emphasis on comfort and community interaction. For those interested in this project, further insights can be gained through the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available for review. Engaging with these elements will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that shape this compassionate design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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