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Breathing Façade and Natural Light Create Healing Spaces in Sustainable Community Facility

Authors:
Tomas Milkamanavičius, Paulius Venckūnas, Linas Jurevičius
Breathing Façade and Natural Light Create Healing Spaces in Sustainable Community Facility
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A hexagonal structure with a breathing façade and abundant natural light serves as a supportive environment for lung cancer patients, seamlessly integrating therapeutic gardens and flexible consultation spaces to enhance well-being and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A hexagonal layout encourages natural flow and interaction among users.
02
The breathing façade enhances air quality while providing visual transparency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity and thermal performance.
04
Outdoor consultation areas promote healing through nature exposure.
05
Charred wooden shingles offer durability and aesthetic contrast against lighter materials.

### Overview

Located in Krakow, Poland, adjacent to the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Institute of Oncology, the Oxygen Home integrates healthcare, community space, and environmental concerns into its architectural framework. The design aims to create a supportive and health-conscious environment for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, while also addressing urban air pollution through a focus on air quality and green spaces. The building serves both as a treatment facility and a community resource, fostering awareness around health issues associated with air quality.

### Spatial Configuration

The Oxygen Home is organized around a unique hexagonal form that enhances spatial flexibility and facilitates natural movement within the facility. Designed to promote user interaction, the layout includes designated areas for community activities, consulting rooms, a library, and dining facilities arranged in circular patterns. Outdoor spaces are incorporated to encourage private consultations and group gatherings in a tranquil, natural setting, thereby enhancing the therapeutic experience. The strategic integration of these spaces not only facilitates user engagement but also nurtures a connection with the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection

A carefully curated palette of materials underscores the design's commitment to wellness and functionality. Durable concrete forms the structural foundation, while warm woods such as maple and white oak enrich the interior aesthetics. Extensive use of glass in the façades optimizes natural light and visual connectivity to the landscape, and aluminum composite panels form the innovative ‘breathing’ exterior that aids ventilation. Frameless windows provide unobstructed views of the outdoors, complementing the use of white marble in selected interior spaces for an elevated ambiance. Each material has been chosen for its relevance to the health-oriented ethos of the project, supporting both practical and emotional needs.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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