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Natural Light-Filled Spaces Embraced by Warm Brick and Tranquil Courtyards in Palliative Care Design

Natural Light-Filled Spaces Embraced by Warm Brick and Tranquil Courtyards in Palliative Care Design
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Emphasizing the integration of warm brick façades and abundant natural light, the design creates a serene environment tailored for palliative care, fostering both individual reflection and communal connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on a U-shaped design that fosters a calming courtyard experience.
02
Use of large glass windows for maximizing natural light and outdoor views.
03
Integration of communal and private spaces to support varied emotional needs.
04
Incorporation of warm brick materials to create a home-like atmosphere.
05
Dedicated therapy rooms designed for personalized care and privacy.

## Project Overview
The hospice facility is located in Munkkiniemi, Helsinki, Finland, positioned within an open park environment that encourages connections with nature. Designed as a sanctuary for terminally ill patients, the facility aims to create an atmosphere of tranquility and dignity during end-of-life care. The layout incorporates various communal and private spaces, responding thoughtfully to the diverse needs of patients and their families while ensuring accessibility to advanced medical support from nearby healthcare facilities.

## Spatial Organization
The architectural layout features a U-shaped formation comprised of two main wings linked by a central structure, culminating in a private courtyard designed for outdoor activities and gatherings. This configuration promotes interaction with the surrounding environment, facilitating both community engagement and personal reflection. Key functional areas, including a lobby, common spaces, a kitchen, and therapy rooms, are strategically arranged to balance solitude and socialization, thereby accommodating the emotional range of patients and visitors.

## Material Selection and Light Integration
The design employs a predominant use of brick for the facade, selected for its warmth and durability, which enhances the overall ambiance of comfort. Expansive glass windows allow for ample natural light, reducing reliance on artificial illumination and forging a stronger visual connection with the outdoor landscape. Skylights strategically positioned throughout the structure further enhance interior brightness, promoting a harmonious atmosphere conducive to emotional reflection. The interplay of light within the space helps to cultivate an environment that supports both positivity and calmness.

Key materials integrated into the design include brick for external facades, glass for windows and skylights, concrete for structural needs, and wood for interior finishes and furniture. The architectural choices reflect an intention to create a nurturing and supportive environment tailored to the needs of its users.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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