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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.

### Overview
Located in Soi Doi Koa, near Flower Farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the "Nurturing Home" hospice is designed to promote both physical accessibility and emotional well-being for all visitors. The project emphasizes a humanistic approach, integrating thoughtful design strategies, sustainable practices, and a connection to the surrounding environment that prioritizes the health and comfort of its occupants.

### Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization of the hospice is carefully curated to balance privacy with communal interaction. Key areas include a nursing facility that supports healthcare activities while ensuring patient confidentiality, a small library designed for quiet reflection, and a chapel that fosters spiritual connection. Pathways and transitions are designed to be easily navigable, accommodating individuals with mobility challenges and creating an atmosphere of inclusivity. Additionally, large windows and open layouts ensure abundant natural light, reducing feelings of confinement and enhancing the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection reflects a commitment to durability and environmental respect. Plaster brick serves as a primary material due to its low maintenance and structural integrity, complemented by concrete for a robust framework. Local wood is incorporated to add warmth and maintain a connection to the natural environment, while polycarbonate panels facilitate light influx. The design prioritizes sustainability, with features that minimize resource consumption and maintenance, reinforcing the project’s alignment with community values and environmental stewardship.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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