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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create a Biophilic Retreat in Urban Housing

Authors:
Lilit Poghosyan, Fjoralba Murati, Tim Daniel Battelino
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create a Biophilic Retreat in Urban Housing
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Charred wooden shingles and reclaimed timber create a harmonious connection to nature in this Krakow residence, designed to foster well-being through flexible indoor and outdoor living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural efficiency and eco-friendliness.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrated water features support local biodiversity and improve microclimate.
05
Flexible interior spaces allow for adaptable living arrangements.

### Overview
Located in Krakow, Poland, the Krakow Oxygen House is designed to integrate residential living with natural surroundings, focusing on sustainability and enhancing occupant well-being. The project aims to create a harmonious environment where human habitation coexists with nature, providing a tranquil retreat that encourages health and connectivity to the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design features an organic layout characterized by curvilinear pathways and varied spatial arrangements that facilitate exploration and interaction. Central to the design is a spirally structured open space, promoting connectivity among the diverse functions of the house and its surrounding gardens. Well-planned pathways encourage easy movement between indoor and outdoor environments, minimizing hard edges and fostering fluid transitions that enhance user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is critical to the project, emphasizing ecological responsibility while providing aesthetic and tactile richness. Key materials include reclaimed wood for structural and design elements, expansive glass to maximize natural light and views, and natural stone for durability in outdoor areas. Additionally, the use of low VOC paints and finishes aims to improve indoor air quality. This careful consideration of materials supports the project's sustainable objectives and aligns with its overall philosophy of minimizing environmental impact while enriching the residential experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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