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Healing Spaces Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass in Nature-Integrated Design

Healing Spaces Crafted with Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass in Nature-Integrated Design
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass, the design seamlessly integrates natural elements to create a hospice that promotes healing and emotional connection within an inviting landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetics.
02
Strategically placed glass openings maximize natural light and views of greenery.
03
The design includes a healing garden integrated within the layout for therapeutic benefits.
04
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure that enhances spatial dynamics.
05
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for eco-friendly construction and thermal efficiency.

## Overview

Located in Seoul Forest, South Korea, the TRANS-FOREST hospice adopts an innovative approach to healthcare architecture by integrating natural elements into its design. The intent of the project is to foster psychological and emotional well-being for patients and their families through a carefully considered environment that facilitates interaction with nature and amongst users. Emphasizing continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design aims to enhance the overall experience during challenging times.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the hospice is thoughtfully organized to promote connectivity among different areas. Central to this organization is a communal kitchen and dining space, designed to create a homely atmosphere conducive to family gatherings. Patient rooms and therapy spaces prioritize comfort and privacy while facilitating family engagement. Furthermore, the inclusion of a chapel serves as a dedicated area for reflection and spiritual support. Large gathering spaces allow for social interactions and community events, reinforcing the project's emphasis on emotional support.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material palette is primarily composed of wood, glass, and concrete, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Wood is utilized for both structural components and finishes, offering warmth essential for a healthcare environment. Extensive use of glass invites natural light and provides views of the surrounding landscape, while concrete lends stability and grounds the design in its ecological context. The incorporation of sustainable practices, such as green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems, reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, contributing to insulation and promoting biodiversity. In combination, these materials create a therapeutic atmosphere intended to enhance healing and resilience.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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