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Hospice Retreat Featuring Serene Water Elements and Natural Wood Accents

Author:
Alex Zulas
Hospice Retreat Featuring Serene Water Elements and Natural Wood Accents

Project in-detail

This hospice retreat seamlessly blends tranquil outdoor gardens and serene water features with a carefully selected palette of earthy materials, including brick and natural wood, to create a nurturing environment dedicated to healing and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design includes enclosed gardens that provide patients with safe, private spaces for reflection and connection with nature.
02
A tranquil pond is strategically placed to enhance the auditory experience of the gardens, promoting a sense of calm.
03
The structure utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, contributing to sustainability and reducing the overall carbon footprint.
04
Charred wooden shingles are employed for both aesthetic appeal and increased durability against weather elements.
05
Multi-functional gathering areas are incorporated to support various community activities, encouraging social interaction among visitors and families.
The Healing Gardens project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with nature, designed specifically to enhance the experience of patients, visitors, and caregivers within a hospice environment in Dallas, Texas. This project aims to create a serene sanctuary where individuals can find comfort and solace amid the challenges of healthcare. By prioritizing design aspects that promote psychological well-being, the Healing Gardens stands as a model for how architectural spaces can facilitate healing and community interaction.

At its core, the project functions to provide a therapeutic atmosphere that supports both physical and emotional health. The layout comprises multiple key areas thoughtfully arranged to serve a variety of needs. Upon entry, visitors are welcomed into an environment that is both calming and inviting, setting the tone for their experience. The design includes a nurse station strategically placed for accessibility, ensuring that healthcare professionals can efficiently monitor and care for patients while remaining integrated into the community aspect of the facility.

The common area and library serve as multifunctional spaces, allowing for relaxation, social interaction, and communal gatherings. This encourages a supportive community environment, which is crucial for fostering relationships among patients, families, and staff. Adjacent to these spaces, therapy rooms are customized to prioritize comfort and confidentiality, essential for effective therapeutic practices. A gathering room—designed to accommodate various activities—further strengthens social ties within the space. The kitchen and dining area emphasize communal dining, acknowledging the vital role that shared meals play in emotional nourishment and support.

Integral to the Healing Gardens project is the focus on nature. Enclosed hospice gardens are interspersed throughout the facility, providing tranquil environments for contemplation and respite. A centerpiece pond enhances the visual and auditory appeal of the gardens, creating a soothing atmosphere for all users. Additionally, urban gardens extend the healing principles beyond the building’s confines, allowing for a broader connection to the surrounding community and city landscape.

The architectural design employs a carefully curated palette of materials that underline the project's ethos. The use of brick offers timeless durability, complementing the natural environment while establishing a strong sense of place. Concrete serves as a structural element, channeling modern architectural sensibilities while providing a sense of grounding. Large expanses of glass invite ample natural light indoors, fostering a connection between the interior spaces and the natural world outside, which is essential for promoting overall well-being. Wood accents throughout the interior introduce warmth, enhancing the tactile experience of the environment.

One of the unique design approaches of the Healing Gardens project is its commitment to integrating nature at every level. Attention to detail is evident in how the spaces are organized and how they encourage interaction with natural elements. This emphasis on user experience ensures that all individuals feel a sense of relief and peace, whether they are receiving care, offering support, or simply seeking a quiet place to reflect.

In exploring this project further, readers interested in the architectural aspects will benefit from reviewing detailed architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying architectural ideas that illustrate the intentionality behind the Healing Gardens. Each of these elements contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how architectural design can impact health and well-being. For those looking to delve deeper, further exploration of the project presentation is highly recommended.
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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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