Get inspired!

17,188 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sensory Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light Design for Healing Environments

Author:
Julia Helena Sordyl
Sensory Spaces Enhanced by Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Light Design for Healing Environments

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and expansive glass facades converge in a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes sensory engagement and emotional well-being for terminally ill patients.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are integrated for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances spatial dynamics and promotes natural ventilation.
04
Sensory gardens are included to engage multiple senses and improve emotional wellness.
05
Flexible layouts allow for adaptive use, catering to the varying needs of patients and families.
The Garden of the Senses is an architectural project designed as a therapeutic environment specifically for terminally ill patients. This facility aims to integrate nature with built spaces to support emotional and psychological well-being. Utilizing an intelligent design approach, the project emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences, enabling users to enhance their connection to the natural surroundings.

Environmental Interaction and Wellness

The Garden of the Senses embraces a holistic model where architectural elements promote interaction with the environment. The layout comprises distinct zones, including communal gathering spaces, private retreats, and contemplative areas, ensuring a balanced experience for users. The design strategically incorporates pathways that encourage exploration, allowing occupants to navigate the landscape and engage with various sensory elements.

Key features of the project include expansive glass facades that maximize natural light and offer views of the gardens, creating a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the use of natural materials such as wood and stone reinforces the connection to the environment while fostering a serene ambiance.

Sensory Engagement and Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Garden of the Senses from other healthcare facilities is its focus on sensory engagement. The architecture promotes an immersive experience through the integration of sensory gardens that stimulate sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. The careful selection of plants and water features allows occupants to interact meaningfully with their surroundings, fostering a sense of calm and peace.

Moreover, the project includes flexible spaces that can be adapted to individual needs. Movable partitions and adjustable furnishings provide the versatility required for both social interaction and personal solitude. The design considerations reflect an understanding of the varying needs of terminally ill patients and their families, creating environments that are both comforting and functional.

Sustainable Material Selection and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is a critical aspect of the Garden of the Senses. The selection of materials prioritizes longevity and environmental impact, with an emphasis on locally sourced products. Wood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal, while stone enhances durability and provides a tactile experience. The project also incorporates energy-efficient systems to reduce its carbon footprint and align with modern sustainable practices.

For further insights into this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. Understanding its architectural ideas will provide a comprehensive view of how the Garden of the Senses addresses contemporary challenges in healthcare architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,188 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy