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Grotto-Like Serenity Enhanced by Natural Stone and Expansive Glass in a Hospice Facility

Author:
Nestor Daniel Torres Vergara
Grotto-Like Serenity Enhanced by Natural Stone and Expansive Glass in a Hospice Facility

Project in-detail

A grotto-like structure crafted from natural stone and expansive glass invites residents to experience tranquility and connection to nature within a thoughtfully designed hospice facility in the Appalachian Mountains.
5 key facts about this project
01
Grotto-inspired architectural form enhances both privacy and natural light.
02
Integration of expansive glass walls frames views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles promotes durability and fire resistance.
04
Paths made from local timber create a seamless connection with nature.
05
Sustainable materials contribute to energy efficiency and low maintenance.

### Project Overview

"Roots in Stone" is a hospice facility situated in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, positioned between Paintsville Lake and Yatesville Lake State Parks. The facility is designed as a tranquil environment that supports individuals in their final stages of life, providing a space that fosters reflection and connection with the surrounding natural landscape. The emphasis on creating a serene atmosphere ensures that occupants experience comfort and solace during a significant and often challenging period.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The layout of "Roots in Stone" promotes introspection and connection. Interconnected spaces are designed to flow harmoniously, with pathways resembling the roots of ancient trees, enhancing the experience of grounding and continuity with nature. Interior spaces are characterized by high ceilings and large windows, which magnify views of the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to create a dynamic play of shadows throughout the day. This spatial strategy encourages residents to engage with their environment, facilitating a reflective journey that prioritizes comfort and ease of movement.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to enhance its connection to the natural world. Marble and stone serve as foundational elements that convey stability and permanence, while expansive glass walls provide visual continuity with the landscape, creating an inviting ambience that invites nature indoors. Wood is incorporated in paths and structural elements to invoke familiarity and warmth, reinforcing the overall concept of nature's embrace. The careful integration of these materials ensures a balance between solid grounding and openness, inviting occupants to engage with both the built and natural environments in a cohesive manner.

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

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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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