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Guadua Bamboo Framework Enhanced by Natural Light and Healing Gardens in Holistic Care Facility

Authors:
Manuel Alejandro ávila Peña, Maria Paula Bernal Camacho, Juan Ricardo Sepulveda Patiño, Laura Marcela Cristancho Tovar
Guadua Bamboo Framework Enhanced by Natural Light and Healing Gardens in Holistic Care Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing a Guadua bamboo framework and abundant natural light, this hospice integrates healing gardens to create a serene environment for terminally ill patients and their families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Guadua bamboo for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Features dedicated zones for mind, body, and soul, promoting holistic care.
03
Incorporates extensive natural light through large glass panels.
04
Includes a central courtyard designed for community interaction.
05
Integrates healing gardens to enhance the therapeutic environment.

### Project Overview

Located within the San Juan de Dios hospital complex in Bogotá, Colombia, the "Flow of Life" hospice is designed to serve as a compassionate environment for terminally ill patients and their families. The architectural intent is to create a supportive sanctuary that merges natural elements with contemporary healthcare practices, focusing on fostering serenity during challenging times. This facility reflects a holistic approach, facilitating emotional and physical healing through thoughtful design.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience

The configuration of the hospice is centered around three distinct zones representing the interconnected facets of body, mind, and soul. The **Soul Zone** is dedicated to meditation and introspection, promoting tranquility, while the **Mind Zone** offers interactive spaces for psychological wellness, encouraging reflections and self-engagement. The **Body Zone** supports physical healing with dedicated therapy rooms and spaces for rehabilitation, all designed to enhance bodily wellness. A central courtyard serves as a communal hub, facilitating family gatherings and social interactions, while integrated gardens contribute to a serene ambiance, promoting relaxation and connection with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs **Guadua**, a locally sourced bamboo, as the primary structural element, chosen for its strength and sustainability. This material not only ensures ecological viability but also establishes a tactile relationship with the environment. Key construction elements include concrete pillars for structural stability, expansive glass panels to maximize natural light, and membrane covers that shield while inviting illumination. The thoughtful integration of these materials fosters a balance with the natural surroundings, creating expansive, inviting indoor spaces that prioritize comfort and healing.

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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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