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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.

### Project Overview
Located within a carefully chosen natural setting, the "Garden of the Senses" is an architectural facility designed specifically for terminally ill patients. The project seeks to foster a supportive environment that blends sensory experiences with natural elements, offering various communal spaces, private retreats, and areas designed for contemplation. The intent is to create a holistic setting that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families.

### Spatial Strategy
The project employs a deliberate spatial strategy, organizing the facility into distinct zones: communal, private, and contemplative. Each zone serves unique functions that cater to the diverse requirements of occupants. Pathways designed for exploration and reflection connect these spaces, encouraging interaction with both the landscape and the building itself. The layout emphasizes accessibility while retaining an intimate atmosphere, enhancing social bonds among users.

### Materiality
Material selection is critical in shaping the project's overall aesthetic and functionality. The design prominently features wood, which provides warmth and an organic feel, particularly in structural and façade elements. Expansive glass windows maximize natural light and facilitate views of nature, while steel elements ensure structural integrity and contemporary contrast. Stone pathways contribute durability and grounding, while diverse textiles within the interior spaces aim to create a comforting environment. This thoughtful use of materials not only supports sustainability but also aligns with the facility's mission of providing a peaceful retreat.

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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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