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Green Roofs and Community Gardens Enhanced by Local Wood and Natural Textiles in a Palliative Care Facility

Authors:
Karen Ximena Moreno Varon, Jennifer Lorena Martinez Beltran
Green Roofs and Community Gardens Enhanced by Local Wood and Natural Textiles in a Palliative Care Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating green roofs and community gardens, complemented by local wood and natural textiles, the facility redefines palliative care through a design that emphasizes accessibility and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates community gardens where residents actively participate in planting.
02
Features green roofs that enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Uses natural textiles to create a comforting atmosphere in communal areas.
04
Integrates large windows and skylights for optimal natural light throughout.
05
Includes hammocks and chinchorros to reflect local cultural practices.

### Project Overview

Éclat de Labourdé, situated in Sucre, addresses the growing need for palliative care in the region. The design intent is to create a hospice that supports not only physical health but also the emotional and cultural needs of patients, families, and visitors. The emphasis is on establishing an environment that promotes tranquility and solace, reflecting a deep understanding of the complex experiences associated with end-of-life care.

### Site Organization and Accessibility

The layout comprises a series of interconnected structures that prioritize accessibility and ease of movement. Organized around landscaped gardens, the design integrates green spaces that serve as vital components of the healing process. The gardens, planted with native vegetation, provide serene outdoor settings that foster connection with nature. Pathways are designed to be wide and navigable, facilitating smooth transitions for patients and visitors throughout the hospice, while accommodating emergency vehicle access to enhance operational efficiency.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project's material choices are integral to its aesthetic and functional success, emphasizing sustainability and local relevance. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, offering durability alongside a contemporary look. Green roof systems are incorporated to mitigate heat absorption, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Local wood is utilized in communal spaces, enhancing the warmth of the environment, while natural textiles in shared areas reflect local craftsmanship traditions. Large windows and skylights ensure ample natural lighting, merging indoor spaces with the exterior. The design further incorporates passive cooling strategies and rainwater harvesting systems, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, thereby aligning with sustainable practices in healthcare architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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