Located approximately 400 meters from the Baltic Sea, Waves 4 and 5 complete the ECR medical campus in Sopot, Poland, providing supervised recovery accommodations, rehabilitation facilities, and shared amenities for patients before and after medical procedures.
Constructed on a degraded brownfield site, the project extends the healthcare complex while restoring five hectares of land as connected green spaces and therapeutic gardens. Rather than pursuing formal sustainability certification, FAAB Architects integrated environmental performance through passive architectural strategies, material selection, and landscape regeneration.
The buildings draw inspiration from artist Pierre Carreau’s AquaViva photographic series, which captures close-up views of the sea. Wave geometry is most evident in the upper building volumes and sculptural entrance canopies.
Sunlight across the facade highlights its fine divisions, creating a dynamic three-dimensional presence. Perforated panels incorporate the sacred “Flower of Life” pattern, which has traditionally been associated with healing and appears in ancient Egyptian, Indian, and Mayan art and architecture.
This approach references the local tradition of incorporating ornamental patterns into facades. The pattern extends across the aluminum facade panels, including flat sections, elements with variable geometry, and window shutters. The perforations flow from one panel to the next, creating visual continuity.
Material selection
Material choices prioritize durability, resource efficiency, and verified environmental performance. The facade combines perforated aluminum panels with polished ceramic cladding manufactured using recycled raw materials and closed-loop production processes. Low-carbon aluminum window and facade systems incorporate high recycled content.
Inside the buildings, wood-based joinery, carbon-neutral carpet tiles supported by manufacturer take-back programs, and locally crafted wicker lighting contribute to a restrained material palette that balances durability with reduced environmental impact.
During design and construction, separate three-dimensional models of the steel structure, concrete frame, and facade enabled precise coordination between disciplines. This digital workflow reduced material waste, improved fabrication accuracy, shortened construction time, and optimized the use of structural and envelope materials.
Adaptive envelope responds to coastal conditions
Environmental performance is integrated into the facade through a reflective white envelope that limits solar heat gain on the south, east, and west elevations. Adjustable perforated aluminum shutters provide external shading while maintaining daylight and outward views, reducing cooling demand during warmer months. Their proportions and operation were refined through full-scale mock-ups to balance thermal performance with occupant comfort.
High-performance aluminum window and curtain wall systems further improve the thermal efficiency of the envelope.
Landscape restoration and water management
The project extends its environmental approach beyond the buildings through ecological site regeneration. Developed on long-degraded land, the campus reconnects healthcare facilities with landscaped open spaces planted exclusively with native dune vegetation.
The Seaside Garden is visible from patient rooms, balconies, and communal spaces, providing restorative views while supporting local biodiversity and reducing irrigation requirements. Rainwater harvesting systems integrated across both buildings reduce demand on municipal stormwater infrastructure and support more resilient site management.
Privacy and patient comfort
Interiors provide a sense of security and respite before and after procedures. Medical technology, including nurse call systems, is discreetly integrated into the decor. Balcony railings limit views into private balconies and adjacent rooms.
