Home of St. Rafael

Project idea

A palliative care facility for terminally ill patients designed around the philosophy of preserving human dignity, addressing body, soul, and community needs in the final stages of life.

Project description

The project is a home for terminally ill patients located in Kvetnica near Poprad, a site with natural character, calm atmosphere, and views of the High Tatras. The architectural concept divides the building mass into three parts, creating atria and covered passages that connect interior spaces with nature. The design reflects the holistic needs of patients — physical comfort, spiritual care, and social connection. The facility includes patient rooms, a chapel, a library, and communal atria spaces. The building features a saddle roof form with timber cladding that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The philosophy centers on preserving human dignity: caring for the body through patient room comfort and cleanliness, nurturing the soul, and fostering community so that in the last moments one is not alone.

Technical information

The building is organized across two floors (1.NP and 2.NP) with floor plans showing patient rooms arranged along corridors with central atria providing natural light and ventilation. The cross-section reveals the pitched roof structure. The massing development shows the initial volume being split into three parts, lifted to create atria, connected by covered passages, with a saddle roof form and a raised chapel volume. The site analysis indicates integration with the existing terrain and surrounding vegetation.

Documentation

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