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Textured Concrete and Natural Light Shaping a Tranquil Healing Space

Author:
Tatiana Valerio Bacellar
Textured Concrete and Natural Light Shaping a Tranquil Healing Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing textured concrete and large openings for natural light, this hospice creates a serene environment that fosters healing and reflection within a cohesive connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
02
Incorporates textured concrete for enhanced tactile interaction with the landscape.
03
Features a seamless integration of communal spaces to foster social interaction.
04
Employs large windows to connect interior spaces with the surrounding environment.
05
Utilizes sustainable materials, such as cross-laminated timber, to enhance structural integrity.

### Overview
Located within a tranquil landscape, The Capsule House is a hospice designed to facilitate introspection and healing through a carefully curated relationship with the natural environment. Inspired by the four elements—earth, wind, fire, and water—the project emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates architectural form with sustainable practices. The design prioritizes user experience while creating spaces that promote reflection and connection to nature.

### Spatial Configuration
The Capsule House comprises three distinct levels: underground, ground floor, and second floor. The underground level is primarily designated for functional spaces such as service areas and storage, minimizing its visual impact on the landscape. The ground floor serves as the communal hub of the hospice, featuring living areas, dining spaces, and therapeutic environments. The layout encourages interaction among users, enhanced by the incorporation of natural elements, including indoor plants and water features, which contribute to a calming atmosphere. In contrast, the second floor is designed to provide privacy, containing patient rooms and quiet areas optimized for comfort and tranquility.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The building's exterior features rounded, streamlined forms clad in textured concrete that harmonize with the surrounding vegetation, ensuring durability while maintaining a soft aesthetic. Inside, the design employs a range of materials: reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, timber finishes add warmth, and large windows and skylights optimize natural light, fostering airy spaces. Water features are thoughtfully integrated to create soothing auditory experiences, while natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality. Each design choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and user-centric considerations, creating a harmonious environment conducive to healing.

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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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