Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Structure in a Community Health Center Emphasizing Sustainable Design

Authors:
Naihao Fan, Samantha Mccloud
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Structure in a Community Health Center Emphasizing Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

With a striking facade of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass openings, the community health center leverages sustainable timber construction to create a welcoming space dedicated to health awareness and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and structural strength.
03
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes a second-floor patio garden, creating a green retreat in the urban setting.
05
Integrates a rainwater collection system to support eco-friendly operations.
The Krakow Oxygen Home is a contemporary architectural project located in Bror Hansson Park in Krakow, Poland. This community-centric building is designed with an emphasis on health and wellness, serving as a hub for local residents to engage in activities related to health awareness, education, and support for lung cancer initiatives. The architecture seeks to foster gathering and interaction, ultimately promoting a sense of community and belonging.

The design of the Krakow Oxygen Home embodies its mission to enhance health and well-being within the urban environment. It functions as a multi-purpose facility that accommodates various community activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and one-on-one consultations, thereby positioning itself as a vital resource for those seeking information and support regarding lung health. The architectural concept aligns with the idea of creating a welcoming space that encourages conversations and serves as an informative center for health-related themes.

Architecturally, the building is characterized by its angular form, which stands out against the surrounding landscape. This design approach prioritizes ample natural light and creates dynamic visual connections between the interior and the park environment. The use of large openings in the facade invites the outside in, offering visitors a continuous interaction with nature throughout their time at the facility. In terms of spatial organization, the Krakow Oxygen Home features a well-thought-out layout that distinguishes between public and private areas. The ground floor serves as an open public zone consisting of communal spaces such as a reception area, exhibition spaces, and a library, designed specifically to promote accessibility and interaction among visitors. Conversely, the second floor focuses on more specialized, private functions, housing consultation rooms and staff offices, ensuring that professional activities can occur in a dedicated environment.

The materials chosen for the project play a significant role in its overall aesthetic and functionality. Concrete forms the structural backbone of the building, ensuring durability and longevity. Wood is utilized prominently for its warmth, featured in elements such as diagonal bracing and interior finishes. The decision to incorporate expansive glass panels into the facade not only enhances transparency but also allows for significant daylight penetration, contributing to an inviting atmosphere inside. The patio garden on the second floor exemplifies a unique design element, providing a green space for relaxation and reflection while reinforcing the project's focus on health.

In addition to its inviting architecture, the Krakow Oxygen Home embodies a commitment to sustainability. Rainwater collection systems and passive ventilation strategies are integral components of the design, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing indoor comfort. This focus on sustainable practices aligns with broader contemporary architectural trends that prioritize ecological responsibility, making the project relevant in the context of today's environmental challenges.

The attention to circulation within and around the building further enhances the user experience. The design incorporates flexible pathways that facilitate movement between different areas of the facility, creating a seamless flow that encourages exploration and interaction. This approach aligns the building with the natural landscape of Bror Hansson Park, reinforcing the idea that architecture should not only exist within its context but also engage with it.

The Krakow Oxygen Home ultimately represents a thoughtful integration of architecture, community needs, and environmental considerations. By prioritizing health, social interaction, and sustainability, it serves as an exemplary model for future architectural projects aimed at improving community living. For those interested in learning more about the unique architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, exploring the detailed project presentation will provide deeper insights into its innovative approach and thoughtful execution.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16544 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