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Reflective Water Mirror and Local Stones in Healing Center Design

Author:
Lou Cirendini
Reflective Water Mirror and Local Stones in Healing Center Design
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Constructed with local stones and a reflective water mirror, the center is designed to create a tranquil environment for healing patients while embracing the scenic Mediterranean landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective water mirror enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
02
Private therapy rooms open directly to nature, promoting a calming atmosphere.
03
Local stones are used to create a visual and tactile connection to the surrounding landscape.
04
Terraces provide opportunities for patients to engage with the Mediterranean environment.
05
The design prioritizes natural light and air circulation throughout the interior.

The medical treatment center is positioned by the Mediterranean Sea in the south of France, designed for patients confronting terminal illnesses. The focus is on creating a supportive environment by harnessing the natural benefits of air, sunlight, and the beautiful landscape. The building rises from the cliff, enhancing its connection to the water and providing a peaceful escape from urban noise and pollution.

Spatial Integration
The layout emphasizes a strong connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors. Large openings throughout the structure allow natural light to flow in and promote air circulation. This design choice fosters a feeling of openness and tranquility. Outdoor paths, patios, and terraces invite patients to engage directly with nature, providing opportunities to hear the calming sound of water and enjoy the scenic Mediterranean views.

Therapeutic Spaces
Private therapy rooms open onto a reflective water feature that mirrors the sky, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for healing. This arrangement helps to merge indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. In addition, a library connected to a patio serves as a refuge, encouraging relaxation and introspection, which are crucial for emotional well-being during treatment.

Social Interaction
The design includes gathering areas and a restaurant oriented towards the south, located next to a long outdoor pool. This setup promotes social interaction among patients, their families, and staff, enhancing the emotional support network available. Shared experiences in these spaces are intended to foster connection and encourage a sense of community during challenging times.

Materiality
Local site stones mixed with colored concrete are used to strengthen the visual connection between the building and its environment. This selection of materials emphasizes the importance of blending the constructed space with the natural landscape.

The experience is further enriched by private rooms where patients can observe sunrises reflecting on the water, adding a layer of beauty to their stay and supporting their healing journey.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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