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Reflective Surfaces and Natural Stone Create a Serenity-Focused Hospice Experience

Author:
Younggi Lee
Reflective Surfaces and Natural Stone Create a Serenity-Focused Hospice Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural stone and expansive glass facades, the design creates a harmonious environment that emphasizes reflection and tranquility, serving as a hospice for individuals in their final stages of life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective surfaces embedded in the design enhance light quality and promote mindfulness.
02
Garden spaces are strategically placed to provide serene views from all patient rooms.
03
Natural stone walls create a connection to the earth and enhance thermal performance.
04
Adaptive spaces are designed for both personal reflection and family engagement.
05
The extensive use of glass blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Overview

The hospice design project, “The Way to Eternity,” is focused on enhancing the experience of individuals approaching end-of-life stages. It is conceptualized to support not only physical comfort but also psychological and emotional well-being, acknowledging the spiritual needs of patients. The design is situated in a natural landscape, which is intended to foster a calm and tranquil environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the hospice emphasizes a continuum of care and connection among patients, families, and staff. The main structure features clean lines and open spaces that maximize natural light and establish visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Private rooms are designed to offer intimacy and privacy while incorporating large windows to provide personal views of nature. Common areas for group activities facilitate social interactions, underscoring the importance of community support during the final phase of life. Additionally, garden spaces are interwoven throughout the complex, creating inviting sanctuaries for reflection and interaction with nature.

### Materiality and Unique Features

The selection of materials plays a critical role in conveying themes of permanence and tranquility. Concrete provides structural integrity, while natural stone adds an organic texture that connects the built environment to the earth. Glass enhances transparency and lightness, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is introduced to create warmth and comfort, mitigating the austere feel of other materials. Unique features such as reflective surfaces and water elements promote meditation and tranquility, while flexible spaces accommodate a variety of functions, from quiet reflection to communal gatherings. The integration of art throughout the space fosters dialogue and reflection on themes of life, death, and solace.

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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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