Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Carbon Absorbing Pavements and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Magda Maciąg, Jan Chwedczuk
Carbon Absorbing Pavements and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating carbon-absorbing pavements and cross-laminated timber, the design addresses urban sustainability while serving as a multifunctional community hub that enhances public engagement and green connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carbon-absorbing pavements reduce urban air pollution.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and weather resistance.
04
The bent A-frame design facilitates innovative spatial dynamics.
05
Integrated native landscaping promotes local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

### Overview

Located in Krakow, Poland, the project focuses on enhancing public green spaces within the urban landscape. Given the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, the initiative aims to address issues such as urban pollution and limited recreational areas, thereby improving the overall well-being of residents. The design seeks to integrate ecological sustainability, urban connectivity, and social interaction into the existing urban fabric, creating a healthier and more accessible public space network.

### Spatial Strategy and Public Interaction

The design strategically delineates distinct areas for public use, prioritizing accessibility and mental well-being. Contextual diagrams illustrate both existing and proposed green spaces, with parks positioned to encourage social gatherings and interactions. The layout introduces new green corridors and pedestrian routes to enhance connectivity between different parts of the urban area. Additionally, an analysis of current public spaces reveals a blue network of water bodies that serves as key transit connecters, informing the planning of these green networks.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The materials chosen for this initiative reflect a commitment to sustainability while harmonizing with Krakow's architectural context. Innovative design elements include pavements that absorb CO2 and water-absorbing concrete to manage stormwater and reduce flooding. Additionally, the selection of native and climate-resilient plants bolsters local biodiversity. The construction techniques applied prioritize ecological integrity, integrating features such as a multifunctional pavilion that serves as a community center and greenhouse, coupled with a winter garden that enhances indoor air quality.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy