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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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