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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

Project in-detail

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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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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