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Therapeutic Spaces Crafted with Polycarbonate and Timber for Children’s Wellness

Authors:
Luoyao Zhang, Lindong Wang, Min Yao, Yutong Liu
Therapeutic Spaces Crafted with Polycarbonate and Timber for Children’s Wellness

Project in-detail

Utilizing a polycarbonate façade and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a nurturing environment that enhances the therapeutic experience for children facing serious health challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with a rooftop library, providing an elevated space for learning and relaxation.
02
Incorporates animal therapy areas designed for safe interactions with therapy animals.
03
Features a play area with natural elements to promote unstructured play and exploration.
04
Utilizes a semi-open corridor for seamless indoor-outdoor connection and natural light access.
05
Employs sustainable landscaping with native plants to enhance environmental integration.

## Architectural Analysis Report: "Be With Animals" Children's Hospice

### Overview

Located in a densely populated area, the "Be With Animals" children’s hospice utilizes health-focused design principles to aid in the recovery of children with chronic illnesses. The intent is to create a welcoming environment that prioritizes both the physical and emotional needs of its young residents through carefully designed interactions with animals and nature. By shifting away from conventional medical environments, the design concept emphasizes comfort, support, and engagement in a setting conducive to healing.

### Spatial Organization and Engagement

The architectural layout employs a strategic arrangement of spaces to enhance accessibility and interaction between children, caregivers, and their surroundings. Central outdoor courtyards and play areas are integral to the plan, promoting engagement with nature and facilitating social connections among children and animals. Highlights include:

- **Ladder Library and Amphitheatre**: This versatile space supports learning and storytelling activities, encouraging participation from both children and animals, thereby enriching their therapeutic experience.

- **Semi-open Corridor**: Designed to maintain visual connections with outdoor areas, the corridor allows for ample natural light, contributing to a soothing atmosphere while facilitating movement throughout the facility.

- **Public Kitchen and Dining Area**: This communal space fosters social interactions among families and caregivers, which are essential for emotional healing.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project incorporates a carefully considered selection of materials that enhance both the structural integrity and sensory experience of the hospice:

1. **Polycarbonate Facade**: Utilized for its transparency, it diffuses light throughout the interior while creating a visual connection to the outdoors.

2. **Timber Frame Structure**: Chosen for its sustainability, timber also introduces warmth, which is vital in a hospice environment.

3. **Natural Stone Elements**: Integrated within landscaping, these materials provide tactile engagement while harmonizing with the local ecological context.

4. **Sustainable Landscaping Materials**: Selected for their resilience, these materials support biodiversity and contribute to restorative outdoor environments that enhance the overall therapeutic experience.

The design outcomes address a spectrum of needs, from enhancing emotional recovery and promoting social interaction to providing educational opportunities through flexible spaces. The thoughtful integration of both spatial and material choices cultivates a supportive community atmosphere that encourages 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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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