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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Health Facility

Authors:
JONG WOO KIM, MARU LEE
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Health Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a thermal water storage system, this community health facility is designed to combat air pollution while providing essential medical support and fostering social interaction among its users.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a water thermal storage system to enhance energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and minimal maintenance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize construction speed and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to promote natural ventilation.
05
Includes dedicated emotional consulting spaces to support mental health initiatives.

### Overview
Located in Krakow, Poland, the Snowdrop Oxygen Home is designed as a response to the region's air pollution challenges, particularly concerning PM10 and PM2.5 levels. This facility is intended for individuals with respiratory issues and serves as a community hub that prioritizes social interaction while addressing significant environmental health concerns. The architectural expression incorporates elements that reflect a holistic approach to both public health and community well-being.

### Spatial Strategy and Functional Layout
The design features distinct spatial zones organized for various functions, enhancing both practicality and comfort.

1. **Ground Level (H + 2500 mm)**:
- Includes a First Aid Room for immediate medical assistance and a Consulting Room focused on emotional support, aligning with the project’s community-oriented mission. A Play Zone provides space for children's activities, while a General Consulting Room ensures accessibility for general health inquiries. Additional facilities such as restrooms and storage further accommodate user needs.

2. **Upper Level (H + 5500 mm)**:
- This floor integrates a Kitchen Room and Library, promoting communal interaction through shared meals and learning opportunities. Additionally, a Dining Room encourages family gatherings, essential for mental health. A Staff Office and Meeting Room support the facility’s operational efficiency while maintaining community engagement.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Material choices for the Snowdrop Oxygen Home reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality.

- **Concrete** forms the structural framework, providing necessary durability for public use.
- **Glass** is utilized strategically to enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
- **Wood** is employed for floors and structural components, offering warmth and tactile quality.
- **Eco-friendly materials** align with sustainable practices, harmonizing with the surrounding environment and minimizing ecological impacts.

These materials collectively enhance user experience while ensuring that the building remains a health-focused environment amidst urban challenges. The integration of a Water Thermal Storage Facility also contributes to climate control, exemplifying sustainable design principles.

The architectural layout promotes natural circulation through open pathways, fostering fluid connectivity within functional areas. This strategic design emphasizes community engagement, facilitating interactions among users while ensuring optimal natural ventilation and light conditions.

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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

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