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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Elements Create a Healing Community Sanctuary

Authors:
PANAGIOTA FILINI, THEODOSIA MARGARI, DANAI LYTRA
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Elements Create a Healing Community Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and a thoughtfully integrated roof garden harmonize with natural light and local materials to foster a serene environment designed for community healing and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof garden incorporates native plant species to enhance biodiversity and promote ecological balance.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased durability against weather elements.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their sustainability and thermal performance.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while creating open, airy communal spaces.
05
Integrated interactive pathways encourage outdoor engagement and connection with the surrounding landscape.
The Krakow Oxygen Home represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and health, situated in the serene parklands of Krakow, Poland. This project is conceived as a therapeutic facility that responds to the essential needs of both individual well-being and community interaction. The design embodies the philosophy that built environments significantly affect the physical and mental states of their occupants, a concept that resonates deeply within contemporary architectural practice.

Functionally, the Krakow Oxygen Home serves multiple roles. It functions as a community center, a space for therapeutic activities, and a refuge for individuals seeking solace and healing. The layout is designed to accommodate various needs, ensuring that both communal and individual spaces are effectively utilized and accessible. Central to this layout is the community room, designed for gatherings, wellness workshops, and shared meals, reinforcing the project’s commitment to fostering social ties within the community.

The architectural design is characterized by a distinctive interplay of natural and constructed elements, strategically blending the building into its surrounding environment. The exterior features a diverse material palette that includes concrete, wood, brick, glass, and iron. Each of these materials is selected not only for its structural capabilities but also for its aesthetic and environmental impacts. Concrete provides durability, while wood brings warmth and connects the interior spaces to nature. The use of brick pays homage to local craftsmanship, adding texture to the facade and enriching the visual experience.

The intentional incorporation of glass throughout the building maximizes daylight, creating bright, inviting spaces that enhance the overall atmosphere. The extensive use of glass not only improves the quality of internal environments but also visually connects users to the landscape outside, reinforcing the idea of oxygen being integrated into everyday interactions.

Unique design approaches are evident in the intricate detailing of landscaping and the innovative roof garden, which serves multiple purposes. The roof garden enhances the building’s thermal performance while providing an additional green space for relaxation and reflection. Native plant species are deliberately chosen to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience, thereby enriching the local environment and offering users a direct interaction with nature.

The importance of outdoor spaces cannot be overstated; pathways, gardens, and seating areas allow inhabitants to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, fostering wellness through interaction with the environment. Thoughtful landscaping elements, such as aromatic plants and vibrant flowers, are part of a broader strategy to create a healing sanctuary that promotes both physical health and mental peace.

As an architectural project, the Krakow Oxygen Home goes beyond merely serving its primary functions; it upholds a broader mission of health and community engagement. The design interlaces therapeutic principles with architectural ideas to create a space that is not only functional but also represents a vision of collective well-being. The careful consideration of spatial configuration, materiality, and landscaping contributes to a cohesive environment that encourages social interaction while respecting individual needs for privacy and solitude.

For a deeper understanding of this innovative project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and insights into various architectural designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Krakow Oxygen Home. This analysis invites individuals to appreciate the careful thought and craftsmanship that defines this architectural response to contemporary health and community challenges.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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