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Rammed Earth Walls and Glulam Framework for Palliative Care in Nature

Authors:
Loriane Wong, Youngjin Kim, Cynthia Zhang, Abeer Ali
Rammed Earth Walls and Glulam Framework for Palliative Care in Nature

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and glulam framework blend seamlessly with expansive views to create a comforting environment for palliative care in Canmore, Alberta.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls enhance thermal performance and durability.
02
Glulam beams provide structural strength while maintaining an open design.
03
The central kitchen acts as a social hub for residents and families.
04
Natural light floods the chapel and sunroom, promoting tranquility.
05
Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring adaptive spaces for all mobility levels.

Count to Three is located in Canmore, Alberta, and addresses the need for palliative and end-of-life care in the Bow Valley area. The design aims to create a space that feels warm and inviting, a place where individuals can find comfort during difficult times. By blending elements from mid-20th century domestic hospice models with modern design, the goal is to prioritize the feeling of life and connection.

Architectural Organization
The layout of Count to Three is centered around a chapel and a service core, which divides the structure into three distinct volumes. Each volume serves a specific function, allowing for a clear separation between public spaces and private areas. This thoughtful organization makes navigation easy and intuitive for residents and visitors, reducing the typical institutional feel often found in hospice settings.



Key Features
A central kitchen acts as the heart of Count to Three, encouraging social interactions among residents, staff, and visitors. This communal space highlights the importance of connection at the end of life. Surrounding the kitchen are the chapel and sunroom, designed to draw in natural light and views, creating serene spots for reflection and peace.



Material and Structural Considerations
The choice of materials in Count to Three adds to both comfort and design. The exterior combines glazing walls and wood cladding, allowing ample daylight to fill the interior while creating a friendly façade. Structural elements like glulam columns and beams, as well as CLT panels and rammed earth walls, work together to improve insulation and sound quality, making the interior feel secure and calming.



Connection to Nature
Biophilic principles guide the design, ensuring views of both nature and the surrounding built environment are prominent throughout the structure. This integration with the outdoors fosters a sense of peace and belonging for those using the facility. The careful blend of natural elements contributes to a welcoming atmosphere, respecting the emotional needs of those facing end-of-life experiences.

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

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Competition organisers

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

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