rafael vinoly architects: clyde f. barker penn transplant house

‘clyde f. barker penn transplant house’ by rafael vinoly architects at the hospital of the university of pennsylvania all images courtesy rafael vinoly architects image © ty cole

internationally recognized architect rafael vinoly has completed the ‘clyde f. barker penn transplant house’ in philadelphia, USA. conceived as a ‘home away from home’ for the transplant patients and their families, the new institutional project for the healthcare industry seeks to provide a comfortable atmosphere with a variety of communal spaces to maintain a supportive environment. the transplant house was partially funded by public donations as well as the design and construction teams (including rafael vinoly architects) who worked on a pro-bono basis.

interior view image © ty cole

situated within a low-rise residential neighbourhood, the design features a distinct saw-tooth roof line that opens up to provide a south-facing window. as a result, every unit benefits from natural daylight which is further enhanced by a large centrally-placed courtyard circumscribed in glazing. built on a single level to limit vertical circulation as well as to enhance the sense of connection between the inhabitants, the project accommodates, among other programs, family meeting rooms, dining area, communal kitchen, and a laundry room. the scale of the internal spaces are designed on a residential level to create an intimate living atmosphere.    

rendered view of street face image © rafel vinoly architects

courtyard space image © rafel vinoly architects

communal living room image © rafel vinoly architects

second floor corridor image © rafel vinoly architects

interior view of a bedroom image © rafel vinoly architects

south facade image © rafel vinoly architects

street view of north facade image © rafel vinoly architects

rendered fly-by image © rafel vinoly architects