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Natural Light Filtered Through Polycarbonate and Warm Wood in a Healing Hospice Design

Author:
Pantira Lai
Natural Light Filtered Through Polycarbonate and Warm Wood in a Healing Hospice Design

Project in-detail

Integrating natural light through polycarbonate panels and utilizing local wood, the design creates soothing spaces that foster emotional well-being in a hospice setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enhanced accessibility with seamlessly integrated pathways for all mobility levels.
02
Natural ventilation is maximized through strategically placed openings and skylights.
03
Therapeutic gardens designed for sensory engagement complement the interior spaces.
04
Local materials reduce environmental impact while fostering cultural relevance.
05
Community areas encourage interaction, enhancing the social aspect of care.

The "Nurturing Home" is an architectural design project located in Soi Doi Koa, near Flower Farm, Chiang Mai, Thailand. This hospice is explicitly conceived as a space that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of visitors, creating an environment that promotes healing. The architecture integrates functionality with a sustainable approach, prioritizing accessibility and sensory experiences that foster well-being.

The primary function of the "Nurturing Home" is to support individuals requiring end-of-life care through a carefully designed space that accommodates visitors, families, and staff. It employs open layouts, natural lighting, and direct access to green areas to create a cohesive relationship between the interior and exterior environments. The structure promotes a healing atmosphere while ensuring that all areas are navigable by individuals with varying mobility levels.

Architecture and Contextual Integration A significant aspect of the "Nurturing Home" is its integration with the surrounding landscape. The site is positioned to take advantage of the natural beauty of Chiang Mai, utilizing large windows and openings to frame views of the gardens and mountains. This connection to nature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also aids in creating a tranquil environment that can alleviate stress for patients and families. The use of local materials, like plaster brick, concrete, and wood, further roots the building in its geographical context, promoting an authentic local character.

One of the unique features of the project is its thoughtful spatial organization, which includes designated areas such as a nursing section, a small library, and a chapel designed for spiritual care. Each zone is geared towards fostering community interaction while maintaining privacy for occupants. The library provides a space for visitors to engage with literature, while the chapel serves as a sanctuary for reflection. These areas support the project’s core philosophy of care, addressing not only the physical but also the emotional needs of its users.

Sustainable and Accessible Design The design emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials and energy-efficient practices. Plaster brick and wood are chosen for their durability and low maintenance, while polycarbonate panels are used to invite natural light into the facility, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. The use of accessible pathways and ramps throughout the hospice ensures that individuals with mobility issues can navigate the space comfortably, aligning with the project’s commitment to inclusivity.

The architectural design presents how the built environment can serve as a nurturing space for individuals in a sensitive stage of life. With its emphasis on creating a nurturing environment through thoughtful design, the "Nurturing Home" stands out among typical hospice facilities. The project illustrates how architecture can go beyond mere function to support the holistic needs of its users.

To further explore the "Nurturing Home", consider reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs for more comprehensive insights into this innovative project. Delve deeper into the architectural ideas that shape the experience of this hospice and understand how they align with contemporary needs in healthcare architecture.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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