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Hospice Facility Featuring Biophilic Design with Natural Wood Elements and Transparent Glass Walls

Authors:
Joshua Robinson, Jared Triemer, Morgan Frederick
Hospice Facility Featuring Biophilic Design with Natural Wood Elements and Transparent Glass Walls

Project in-detail

This hospice facility seamlessly blends therapeutic gardens and family zones with biophilic design elements, utilizing natural wood and expansive glass to create a calming environment that fosters connection and healing.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The facility incorporates therapeutic gardens that are specifically designed to support emotional well-being and provide peaceful outdoor spaces for patients and families.
02
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves durability and resistance to the elements.
03
A bent A-frame design creates a unique architectural silhouette while allowing for optimal natural light in the interior spaces.
04
Family zones are purposefully integrated into clinical areas to foster interaction and support during critical moments.
05
Open staircases serve as both structural elements and communal gathering spots, encouraging social connection within the facility.
The architectural project ZenCare+ represents a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to hospice care, where design and functionality are seamlessly integrated to create an environment that prioritizes comfort and tranquility. This project aims to redefine how hospice facilities are perceived and experienced, fostering a supportive atmosphere for both patients and their families in a compassionate setting.

Designed with the holistic experience of its occupants in mind, ZenCare+ functions not merely as a site for medical treatment but also as a sanctuary that promotes dignity, connection, and emotional well-being. The architecture is characterized by open spaces and a strong connection to nature, elements that play a crucial role in providing comfort during a critical time in life. The incorporation of expansive windows and natural light not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the interiors but also contributes positively to the mood and mental state of those within the space.

At the heart of ZenCare+ is its spatial organization. Areas designated for various functions are thoughtfully crafted to maximize both utility and comfort. The facility includes a tranquil chapel and community spaces that encourage interaction, allowing families to come together in a supportive environment. Family zones are designed specifically to provide intimate, comforting spaces conducive to sharing moments with loved ones, while dedicated clinical areas maintain the highest standards of medical care without compromising the sensitivity required in hospice settings.

One of the distinctive features of ZenCare+ is its innovative vertical circulation system. Open staircases are strategically placed to facilitate both movement and social engagement, creating natural gathering spots that enhance community ties. This design choice reflects a sensitive understanding of how spaces influence social behavior and emotional health.

Additionally, the project prioritizes green spaces, with gardens and rooftop areas that invite nature into the therapeutic landscape. These outdoor environments provide patients and their families with peaceful retreats that promote relaxation and reflection, reinforcing the connection between nature and healing. The attention to natural elements is also reflected in the choice of materials—warm wood, transparent glass, robust brick, and durable steel—all of which work together to create a harmonious visual and tactile experience.

ZenCare+ showcases unique design approaches that prioritize human experience while maintaining functionality. The project encourages a dialogue around hospice care, emphasizing that architecture can significantly enhance well-being and dignity during life's most challenging moments. By designing spaces that facilitate connection—both with nature and with one another—this project sets a new standard in the architectural landscape of healthcare facilities.

For those interested in learning more about the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other detailed architectural designs associated with ZenCare+, exploring the project presentation offers deeper insights into the innovative ideas that define this cutting-edge facility. Delve into the thought process behind the design and discover how architectural elements have been meticulously crafted to serve the needs of the community.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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