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Reflective Water Elements Enhancing Tranquility in Hospice Design

Author:
Klaire Viduya
Reflective Water Elements Enhancing Tranquility in Hospice Design

Project in-detail

A reflective pond serves as the focal point for a tranquil hospice environment, connecting patients and families to nature while facilitating moments of contemplation and emotional support.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pond enhances the sense of tranquility and encourages contemplation.
02
Shorter walls provide unobstructed views of the sky and surrounding garden.
03
The design facilitates a gradual transition from private moments to shared experiences.
04
Natural light is maximized through carefully positioned openings in the structure.
05
Meditative exit pathway guides visitors toward expansive outdoor gardens.

Channel is a design focused on creating a peaceful environment for individuals in hospice care. Located in a supportive setting that emphasizes emotional well-being, the design prioritizes calmness for both patients and their families. By connecting the interior spaces with nature, Channel enhances the experience of those facing life's final moments.

Entrance and Visual Connection

The entrance of the space features a shorter wall that provides visitors with early views of a symbolic garden beyond. This design choice creates a sense of openness and invites people into the area with a gentle welcome. Inside, a reflective pond is prominently placed, capturing light from above and expanding the sense of space. This simple design element encourages reflection and contemplation right upon entry.

Reflective Pond as a Central Element

The pond is a key feature in Channel. It not only contributes to the visual appeal but also symbolizes calmness and thoughtfulness. Water is known for its soothing qualities, and here it reflects the light, creating a dynamic and peaceful atmosphere. The gentle movement draws attention, allowing users to pause and gather their thoughts amidst the emotional intensity of their surroundings.

Meditative Exit Experience

The pathway leading from the room creates a thoughtful exit experience. It is designed to give people a quiet moment of pause before they leave. This exit feels significant, understanding the weight of the moment for both patients and family members. As visitors move along this pathway, they are guided toward the expansive gardens, symbolizing transition. It provides a gentle reminder of the world outside, helping to ease the journey forward.

Engagement with Nature

Throughout the design, there is a strong focus on connecting with nature. The use of shorter walls enhances panoramic views of the sky and gardens, making the surroundings feel bright and welcoming. This connection plays an important role in the emotional well-being of users, helping them feel grounded during a difficult time. Nature becomes more than just a backdrop; it is an integral part of the experience.

The careful use of light, water, and outdoor views creates a space that promotes comfort and reflection, supporting the needs of patients and their families during these valuable moments together.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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