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Hospice Care Facility Integrating Natural Light with Circular Layout and Sustainable Wood Elements

Authors:
Maria Paula Otero Torres, Juan Diego Perez Diez
Hospice Care Facility Integrating Natural Light with Circular Layout and Sustainable Wood Elements

Project in-detail

This hospice care facility features a circular layout that fosters community engagement, seamlessly blending natural light and sustainable wood elements to create a nurturing environment connected to nature and family.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The facility's circular layout promotes unobstructed sightlines, enhancing community interaction among residents and families.
02
Large glass walls are strategically positioned to maximize natural light while maintaining residents' privacy.
03
The use of sustainable cross-laminated timber panels supports energy efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer enhanced durability and weather resistance, creating a visually appealing facade.
05
A central courtyard integrates therapeutic gardens designed specifically for interactive engagement and reflection.
Casa Raíz is a contemporary hospice care facility designed with an emphasis on community interaction and environmental harmony. This architectural project is positioned within a serene landscape that highlights the connection between the built environment and nature. It embodies the principles of dignity and comfort, serving as a nurturing space for residents while encouraging family involvement and support.

The design of Casa Raíz represents a shift in how hospice care facilities function. Rather than resembling traditional medical environments, this project encourages a homelike atmosphere where individuals feel safe and valued. Key to this transformation is the facility's layout, which revolves around a central courtyard. This space serves as the focal point for interaction, offering communal gardens and seating areas that invite social engagement. The circular configuration of the building ensures that all rooms provide unobstructed views of this central area, reinforcing a sense of community.

The project's functionality extends beyond individual care. Casa Raíz includes shared family spaces, such as a communal kitchen and activity areas, where relatives can prepare meals together or engage in recreational activities. These elements are instrumental in creating bonds among family members, allowing them to support one another during a challenging time. The chapel, designed for reflection and spirituality, is another vital component, providing residents and their families a peaceful environment to process emotions.

Casa Raíz's design incorporates carefully chosen materials that play a significant role in both aesthetics and practicality. Wood is prominently featured throughout the interiors, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The choice of large glass windows and walls emphasizes transparency, allowing natural light to fill the spaces and creating a seamless connection with the outside environment. This intentional inclusion of nature not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports the well-being of residents through biophilic design elements.

Stone and concrete are also integral to the project’s material palette. Stone provides a sense of permanence and durability, grounding the structure within its natural setting, while concrete offers stability and structural integrity. These materials collectively contribute to a contemporary, yet timeless architectural style that is both functional and aesthetic.

The unique design approaches taken in Casa Raíz extend to its environmental considerations. The facility is designed to be adaptable to local climate conditions, integrating sustainable practices into its operations. Elements such as landscaping and the orientation of the building are carefully planned to promote energy efficiency and maintain a low environmental impact.

In summary, Casa Raíz is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that redefines the hospice care experience. It prioritizes community interaction and environmental connection, creating a nurturing space for both residents and their families. For those interested in understanding the intricacies of this project, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shaped Casa Raíz. The facility stands as a testament to the potential for architecture to enrich lives, foster relationships, and support holistic well-being.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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