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Healing Spaces Crafted With Colorful Dome Structures and Natural Materials for Terminally Ill Children

Author:
Laura Palimariciuc
Healing Spaces Crafted With Colorful Dome Structures and Natural Materials for Terminally Ill Children

Project in-detail

Colorful dome structures and natural materials create a therapeutic environment designed to support the emotional and physical needs of terminally ill children through integrated community spaces and nature connections.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful dome structures provide natural light and visual connections to the outdoors.
02
The design incorporates an art gallery allowing children to display their artwork.
03
Strategic landscaping creates accessible healing gardens directly connected to communal spaces.
04
Sound and water features enhance the sensory experience for children and families.
05
Materials include painted metal accents and natural wood to promote warmth and comfort.

## Overview

Located in a serene environment, the hospice for terminally ill children is designed to provide a nurturing space that prioritizes both medical care and emotional well-being. The intent behind the design is to create an atmosphere that fosters healing, integrating elements of play and imagination that resonate with the experiences of childhood. This architectural approach emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the needs of its young inhabitants and their families.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization of the facility is characterized by a clear functional hierarchy, incorporating communal areas on the ground floor, such as an art gallery, kitchen, and dining spaces. The upper floor is dedicated to nursing facilities and a chapel, facilitating both social interaction and moments of solitude. Flows of circulation are enhanced through curvilinear pathways, which encourage engagement with the environment while maintaining a sense of continuity throughout the various spaces.

### Materiality and Connection to Nature

The material palette is thoughtfully selected to enhance the sensory experience and create a comforting atmosphere. Reinforced concrete forms the structural base, ensuring safety and durability, while glass elements maximize natural light and visual connectivity to the outdoors. Warmth is introduced through the use of wood in ceilings and select structural components, while vibrant painted metal adds a playful touch. Natural stone in ground materials promotes a sense of groundedness, connecting the interior with the external landscape.

Integrating green spaces and water features throughout the design emphasizes the importance of nature in the healing process. These elements not only provide aesthetic value but also create opportunities for exploration and outdoor play. Quiet zones are strategically placed away from active areas, offering spaces for reflection and rest, while expansive communal areas encourage social interaction, fostering a supportive community for families and caregivers.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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