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Biophilic Healing Spaces Enhanced by Earth Brick and Green Roof Integration

Author:
Du Yingxin
Biophilic Healing Spaces Enhanced by Earth Brick and Green Roof Integration

Project in-detail

Earth brick walls and a verdant green roof create a therapeutic environment that fosters recovery and social interaction within a dedicated healthcare space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Earth brick walls provide natural insulation and thermal mass for energy efficiency.
02
A green roof system integrates vegetation to enhance biodiversity and reduce stormwater runoff.
03
Communal zones feature flexible layouts to encourage spontaneous social interactions among users.
04
Patio spaces are designed for privacy and contemplation, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
05
Cross-ventilation strategies utilize roof vents for improved airflow and indoor climate control.

## Overview

Located in Krakow, Poland, the Oxygen Home is designed to meet the needs of patients in recovery and rehabilitation, prioritizing a supportive healing environment. The project fosters a sense of community and connection to the urban context through its strategic spatial organization and thoughtful integration of natural elements. The design approach seeks to create a therapeutic space that encourages social interaction while remaining accessible to the public.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of the Oxygen Home emphasizes communal areas that facilitate social engagement among patients, staff, and visitors. Traditional barriers found in healthcare architectures, such as waiting rooms and clinical spaces, are minimized to foster a sense of belonging. Circulation pathways are intuitively designed, guiding users through interconnected zones that allow for flexible movement based on individual needs and moods. This fluidity enhances autonomy and promotes a positive user experience.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

A diverse range of materials has been chosen to align with the project's objectives. Earth brick provides thermal insulation, while transparent polycarbonate roofs maximize natural light entry, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Green roof systems improve air quality and aesthetic appeal, complementing the structure's connection to nature. The design incorporates a seasonal ventilation strategy with roof vents for cross-ventilation and light control to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. These features enhance energy efficiency and ensure adaptability to Krakow's seasonal variations.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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