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Hospice in Slovakia

 

HOSPICE - HOME FOR TERMINALLY ILL 

COMPETITION 2021

The concept of the Hospice as a home for the terminally ill is inspired by a small village defined by mountains in central Slovakia in Liptov called Vlkolinec. Vlkolinec, one of the World Heritage villages dating to the 14th century, is known for its well-preserved, medieval, and wooden architecture with the traditional features of European villages. The 45 log-built traditional houses refer to folk architecture and include a church, school, and a shop; the rest of the buildings are farmhouses. All buildings follow the same structure of stone footings, log walls coated with clay, timber construction, and a gable roof. The layout of the Hospice is based on the layout of the Vlkolinec village and is inspired by its placement of streets and houses. The space layout of the Hospice is divided into five different buildings, all connected through corridors and gardens. Each building is used for certain activities, including therapeutic rooms, a dining and kitchen, a library, a common area, and a small chapel. The chapel is placed in an area surrounded by fields and trees, where visitors can feel a disconnect from everything except nature. CLT-cross laminated timber is used for the new structure, using two different shades of wood that refer to the bottom part of the buildings of the traditional houses in color in Vlkolinec. 
 

The core building of the space is the common area, where tradition, family, and community are present. To embrace this meaning, the building stands out because of its use of black wood—charred Timber. The interior spaces are covered with Plywood, which represents simplicity and enhances the natural environment. Through the use of natural light and the arrangement of the architecture, the users in the space will be able to comfort themselves individually. Besides the structural details taken into consideration to be adjusted to the newly developed structure, the atmosphere and authenticity of a village are the leading concepts. The word village refers to a community, friends, family, and nature, as well as being away from the hectic and stressful city. This is the atmosphere the location represents. Patients suffering from a terminal illness have the possibility of accessing a space where they can feel connected, safe, and comforted. A peaceful environment that combines a harmonic balance between architecture, interior space, and landscape will encourage visitors to enjoy their surroundings. The Hospice’s concept enables patients to freely pursue their desires, whether it’s relishing nature, hiking, strolling, reading, engaging with a community, or seeking solitude. 

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01 Reception
02 Stuff & Storage
03 Therapy Room
04 Nursing Room
05 bathrooms

 

06 Kitchen & Dining
07 Library 
08 common area
09 Church

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Library.jpg
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