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Biophilic Design Using Thermal Bricks and Natural Light for Community Support Spaces

Authors:
Frederico Zaniol, Marco Sacchi, Marko Blažić, Davide Varetto
Biophilic Design Using Thermal Bricks and Natural Light for Community Support Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermal bricks and abundant natural light, the design fosters a biophilic connection with the landscape, creating welcoming community support spaces that enhance emotional wellness and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates thermal bricks for enhanced insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features modular spaces that adapt to varying community needs over time.
04
Utilizes integrated photovoltaic panels for sustainable energy generation.
05
Emphasizes biophilic design principles to strengthen connection with nature.
The Oxygen Home represents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that emphasizes community well-being and environmental consideration. Designed as a psychological support center, the project focuses on enhancing emotional and social health while promoting a collaborative environment. By considering the needs of its users, the building serves a vital function, acting as a hub where individuals can connect, learn, and support each other.

The design of the Oxygen Home is characterized by its warm and inviting atmosphere, which is achieved through a careful consideration of layout and materiality. The architectural approach integrates internal spaces with external environments, promoting accessibility and interaction. The building features a modular layout that allows for flexibility, accommodating various activities and programs that cater to the community's diverse needs. This adaptability ensures that the structure remains relevant over time, as it can be modified to meet changing requirements.

Key elements of the Oxygen Home include community-oriented spaces crafted for gathering, relaxation, and interaction. Open communal areas, such as reading nooks and outdoor patios, are strategically placed to encourage social engagement, fostering a sense of belonging among users. The architecture emphasizes transparency through the use of large windows, which flood the interior with natural light while establishing visual connections with the surrounding landscape. This design not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the spaces but also promotes a feeling of openness and security for those who enter.

Sustainability plays a significant role in the architecture of the Oxygen Home. The project incorporates high-performance materials that meet rigorous efficiency standards, such as thermal-resistant bricks and double-glazed windows. This choice not only contributes to energy savings but also embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship. The use of renewable energy sources, including integrated photovoltaic panels and heat pumps, further emphasizes the project's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. Through the careful selection of materials and sustainable technologies, the Oxygen Home stands as a model of responsible architecture.

The project also respects its natural context, integrating landscape features that enhance the overall experience of the building. Existing trees and green spaces are woven into the design, creating a seamless transition between the built environment and nature. This approach not only enriches the aesthetic quality of the site but also supports biodiversity and ecological health, reinforcing the connection between architecture and environment.

Unique design strategies employed in the Oxygen Home include an emphasis on clarity and accessibility. Thoughtful circulation paths guide visitors through the space, encouraging exploration and interaction. The architectural plans reflect a clear hierarchy of spaces, enhancing wayfinding while maintaining an inviting flow throughout the building. The careful integration of different functional areas minimizes barriers and fosters connectivity among users, making it easier for individuals to engage with one another and the resources available.

As an architectural project, the Oxygen Home represents a forward-thinking approach to design, balancing functionality with a strong commitment to community values and sustainability. By providing a space that nurtures social interaction and emotional support, the building reinforces the importance of architecture in fostering healthy communities. This project illustrates how design can positively influence the lives of its users while respecting and enhancing the surrounding environment.

To explore this project further, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, interested readers are encouraged to look closely at the presentation of the Oxygen Home. Engaging with the architectural details will offer deeper insights into how this thoughtful project achieves its objectives and contributes to the broader discourse on community-focused architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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