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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

Project in-detail

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.
The Krakow Oxygen Home is an architectural project designed to serve as a support facility for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. Situated in Krakow, Poland, adjacent to the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Institute of Oncology, this facility integrates healthcare, community interaction, and environmental awareness in a cohesive built form. The project emphasizes air quality and the therapeutic potential of green spaces, marking a thoughtful response to the needs of its users.

Design and Functionality

The architecture of the Krakow Oxygen Home features a hexagonal configuration that promotes efficient circulation and maximizes interaction among users. This design approach is aimed at fostering a sense of community while addressing the specific needs of patients and their families. The layout combines various functional areas, including consultation rooms, communal spaces, a library, and dining facilities, designed to facilitate engagement and support.

The use of large glass façades enhances natural light penetration, which is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere. This element not only connects the interior spaces to the surrounding environment but also symbolizes transparency and openness in the patient care process. The building's 'breathing façade' technology serves to regulate air flow, further emphasizing the project's focus on air quality and well-being.

Unique Design Approaches

The Krakow Oxygen Home distinguishes itself through its holistic approach to health and healing. By integrating outdoor spaces and natural elements within the design, the project acknowledges the therapeutic effects of nature on patients. Areas for outdoor consultations and group interactions provide users with an opportunity to engage with the natural environment, which is vital for psychological and physical health.

The material palette used in the project also reflects a commitment to sustainability and user comfort. Concrete provides structural integrity, while the use of warm woods such as maple and white oak in the cladding and finishes adds a tactile quality that enhances the indoor experience. Furthermore, aluminum composite panels give the building a modern aesthetic while also serving a functional purpose by improving ventilation.

Discussion of Architectural Elements

The architectural elements of the Krakow Oxygen Home are meticulously designed to facilitate wellness. Each functional area is carefully placed to optimize spatial relationships and enhance user interaction. The circular arrangement of spaces encourages flow and engagement among patients, their families, and healthcare practitioners. The careful consideration of accessibility ensures that all areas of the facility are navigable for individuals with various mobility requirements.

Incorporating elements of local culture and identity, the project respects the context of its urban setting while providing a much-needed resource for the community. The integration of educational features regarding air quality helps to raise public awareness about environmental health issues.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural designs and plans, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural presentation of the Krakow Oxygen Home. Detailed perspectives, sections, and plans provide valuable insights into the design methodology and intended outcomes of this thoughtful project.
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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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