House of Dadis

Abstract

House of Dadis is a hospice project located in the quiet, wooded area of Bolivar, a small town adjoining Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Positioned next to a family hospital and the scenic Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the site provides a rare opportunity to design a healthcare space that is not only functional but deeply rooted in nature and community. The goal of this project is to create a comforting, human-centered environment for terminally ill patients—an alternative to institutional care that emphasizes dignity, warmth, and connection. The concept draws heavily from the surrounding landscape, using nature not just as a backdrop but as an active element in healing. The building's layout and materials reflect the organic architecture philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright, with flowing spaces, natural light, and strong connections between interior and exterior. The hospice also takes inspiration from Maggie's Centres, particularly in its spatial planning and emphasis on creating emotionally supportive environments. These influences guided decisions like placing communal spaces at the heart of the building, offering patients and families shared areas to gather, and ensuring every private room has access to views, fresh air, and natural light. The material palette is simple and local—fieldstone from the region, exposed wood, and neutral tones—blending the building into the hillside and echoing the character of the town's historic architecture. Careful attention has been given to accessibility, with full ADA compliance and a single-story layout that allows smooth, step-free movement throughout. Soft transitions between public and private spaces help reduce stress for patients and visitors alike. The name House of Dadis reflects the emotional core of the project. "Dadi" means grandmother in Hindi, and the term carries with it warmth, care, and familial memory. The hospice is designed to feel less like a medical facility and more like a home—one where patients are surrounded by comfort, nature, and the kind of quiet care we associate with elderly family figures. Overall, House of Dadis aims to reimagine the hospice experience by grounding it in place, nature, and compassion. The design is meant to honor life by creating a peaceful setting for its final chapter—where architecture plays a supporting role in healing, even when a cure is no longer the goal.