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Exploring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Tranquil Hospice Setting

Author:
Paulina Pluto-prądzińska
Exploring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in a Tranquil Hospice Setting

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a structure designed to maximize natural light and foster a sense of tranquility, creating an environment tailored for the care of terminally ill patients.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to sustainable construction and thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes daylight and creates dynamic interior spaces.
04
Therapeutic gardens are integrated into the layout for healing connections to nature.
05
Flexible common areas allow for varied patient and family interactions.
The "Calming Waves" project is an architectural design for a hospice facility tailored to support terminally ill patients. The design embodies a commitment to creating a peaceful and nurturing environment that facilitates care and enhances emotional well-being. By employing a thoughtful arrangement of space and a selection of materials that foster comfort and stability, the project serves as a model for healthcare architecture that prioritizes human experience.

Patient Care and Communal Spaces
The layout of the facility is meticulously designed to optimize patient comfort while promoting interaction among families and caregivers. Individual patient rooms are oriented to capture ample natural light, with expansive windows that provide views of landscaped gardens. Adjacent common areas, such as dining and relaxation zones, encourage socialization, reinforcing the community atmosphere essential to terminal care. Flexible spaces throughout the building allow for various activities, from therapeutic sessions to family gatherings.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the distinguishing features of the "Calming Waves" project is its integration with the surrounding landscape. The architectural forms mimic natural waves, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. These design elements emphasize nature's restorative qualities, which are particularly important in a hospice setting. Ground-level paths lead to tranquil gardens, offering outdoor therapeutic options and quiet retreats for patients and their families.

Material Selection and Sustainability
Materials play a crucial role in the project, with a deliberate choice of wood, glass, concrete, and stone. Wood is used extensively in facade elements, providing warmth and promoting a comforting atmosphere. Large glass panels maximize daylight and promote transparency, while concrete is employed for structural support, ensuring durability. Additionally, stone accents enhance the natural aesthetic in the external landscaping, grounding the design in its environment. The strategic use of materials not only meets functional needs but also aligns with sustainable practices.

The "Calming Waves" project exemplifies an advanced approach to hospice design, where architecture meets the essential needs of its users. To gain a deeper understanding of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and details that illustrate the thought process behind the design. Reviewing these elements will provide additional insights into the architectural ideas woven throughout this compassionate facility.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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