Knokke-Heist, Belgium
Combining architecture with neuroscience, Archekta, Ark-shelter, and neuroscientist Menno Cramer have created a healthcare facility named Warm Nest, where cancer patients can be provided with a comfortable dwelling while healing.
The architects had to follow a certain concept, they had to design a welcoming space that would be non-intrusive nor invasive focusing solely on calm gatherings, time to regain strength, and the journey to recovery.
A soft ramp guides people into the center, a front door is set back from the façade to protect from wind, provide a safe entrance and remove the hospital look and feel.
The building throughout can breathe and is penetrated by nature and views.
Almost every seat has direct visual access to the outside.
The windows on the top will ensure there is always gradual light throughout the building while providing privacy.
A mixture of direct and indirect views will allow different individuals to find different comfortable nooks where they can be themselves.
Different spaces will allow for different individuals, different stages, and different group configurations to all be comfortable.
There is a warm fireplace to bring people together, to bring warmth and comfort.
Flexible seating arrangements for comfortable gatherings from single to groups of 8 can easily fit in this space.
The dining room is the heart of the house.
The place with the most light, allowing for a space to gather for introverts as well as extroverts, sun, and shade, the view outside, or into the comfortable courtyard that is protected yet not enclosed.
Directly accessible from the entrance there is an office space, for administrative tasks as well as formal matters that need to be taken care of by the volunteers.
Therapy room I is wheelchair accessible, all therapy rooms are welcoming, and the same light wood is used in the rest of the building to give it a warm and homely feel.
Non-traditional therapy rooms are set up following the same design language as the library, living room, and office.
Making it less clinical and more approachable.
The therapy rooms upstairs are a bit further away from the core of the house.
No hallways, and no names on the doors.
Comfortable spaces to get the right information, treatment, or consultation patients need.
The group therapy room is open and adjustable, from group sessions on the floor to more formal settings, this room can be used entirely based on the required setting.
In all terms, showered with light, this room has a sunroof to make the space feel open and make it easier for people to connect.
The terrace is sheltered with a wall of wood in the language of the building’s protection from the wind or views.
Providing safety and privacy or enjoying a moment of air, a breath, or peace.
Direct access to the courtyard will make this a comfortable space to retire for a moment alone or gather in the open air.
The courtyard is a serene and calm slice of nature, with lavish green, and protection from wind.
The play of light that this skylight will provide will transform the space throughout the day and throughout the seasons, from warming colors to bright patches the wood will reflect the light and warm up the space.
Therapy under the sky all on a journey under the same sun, to be comforted and hugged by a ray of light.
After all, a place to come, to relax, to be safe, a warm nest.
Project: Warm Nest
Architects: ARCHEKTA s.r.o and Ark-shelter
Lead Architects: Viktor Mikovčák, Martin Mikovčák, and Michiel De Backer
Design Team: Radovan Hnidka, Ondrej Vavro, Milan Ščury, Monika Balalová, and Barbora Šimašková
Collaborator: Menno Cramer- Neuroscientist
Client: AZ Zeno Campus
Photographers: BoysPlayNice
