Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology won second prize in the international competition "Hospice - Home for the Terminally Ill." Their "Gift of Time - A Place of Peace and Dignity" won recognition from global experts due to its unique design sensitivity, sustainable approach to design and construction, and innovative barrier-free architecture.
composition scheme
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
hospice competition, breaking taboos
Organized by Buildner, the "Hospice - Home for the Terminally Ill" competition is an event that attracts talented architects and architects from all corners of the world. In this year's third edition of the competition, participants were tasked with creating a hospice design, providing terminally ill people with a place full of comfort, dignity and community. The architects and architects were invited to design a space for up to fifteen patients and five staff members, incorporating basic hospice functions and additional spaces such as a library and therapy rooms.
cross sections
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
The projects had to fit in with local cultural and environmental conditions. The jurors, known for their experience in designing buildings that serve people struggling with illnesses, evaluated the works not only in terms of aesthetics and functionality, but also sustainability and sensitivity to the needs of patients and staff.
front garden
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
hospice close to nature and man
The project by Warsaw University of Technology students was located in picturesque Konstancin-Jeziorna, a town just 20 kilometers from Warsaw. This spa town, known for its specific microclimate and rich cultural heritage, is an ideal place for a palliative care center.
common room
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
Konstancin's "Gift of Time" is not only a place of care, but also a space conducive to reflection and tranquility. There are nature reserves and historic villas nearby, and the proximity of specialized medical facilities allows patients and clients easy access to care. In this way, the project ensures integration with the community, offering psychological support and therapy not only for patients, but also for their loved ones.
designing for dignity
The concept of "Gift of Time" is deeply rooted in the need to break the taboo around the topic of palliative care. The young design team is redefining the concept, creating a space conducive to conversations about life and its end. A hospice is not just a place of care - it is also a second home for people with terminal illnesses and their families.
The building's architecture blends tradition with modernity, taking inspiration from local brine graduation towers and manorial motifs, harmonizing with the surrounding nature. In the design, special attention was paid to ensuring full accessibility of the space - wide doors, level surfaces and ergonomically laid out rooms make the hospice accessible to people with varying degrees of disability. It's a barrier-free place, created for those in need of maximum comfort and support.
meeting room
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
sustainability and respect for nature
"Gift of Time" was designed with sustainability in mind, so that the building not only serves people, but also respects the surrounding nature. The designers and designer chose to use local materials such as wooden shingles, wood fiber and cross-laminated timber (CLT and GLT). The construction using hemp concrete not only ensures high energy efficiency, but also reduces the building's environmental impact.
The design includes a rainwater harvesting system and two water gardens that serve a self-service function. All these elements contribute to the creation of an ecosystem conducive to the well-being of both patients and patients and the environment. Care for nature and attention to detail are the values that the students and the student put first when creating the hospice, which is part of Konstancin's landscape.
physiotherapy room
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Paweł Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chiłła
layout of the space
The hospice consists of a central part and two wings, which surround inner courtyards - spaces, conducive to reflection and quiet contemplation. The central part of the building includes an integration space, a lobby, common rooms and workshop rooms, enabling group therapeutic activities and workshops.
The east wing of the building is dedicated to medical functions and includes consultation and therapy rooms, as well as a nursing office. The west wing, on the other hand, is a zone of relaxation and spiritual support - there is a kitchen with a dining room, a chapel, and relaxation rooms for patients and their loved ones. Thanks to this division of space, the hospice can provide both physical and psychological support, tailored to the needs of patients and their families.
chapel
© Julia Pytko, Maciej Pawel Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chilla
Julia Pytko, Maciej Pawel Oberzig and Daniel Piotr Chilla have demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of people in difficult health situations. Their project "Gift of Time" was recognized by an international jury not only for its aesthetics and functionality, but also for its empathetic approach to male and female users.
