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Corten Steel and Brick Structure Integrating Natural Green Spaces for Holistic Patient Care

Authors:
Joana Rebelo, Carolina Gadelho
Corten Steel and Brick Structure Integrating Natural Green Spaces for Holistic Patient Care

Project in-detail

Utilizing corten steel and brick, the facility incorporates biophilic design elements and expansive green spaces to provide a supportive environment for cancer patients seeking holistic care.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates extensive green spaces adjacent to the facility for therapeutic engagement.
02
Utilizes corten steel as a prominent material, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
03
Features interconnected modules designed for specific patient needs and emotional support.
04
Emphasizes biophilic design principles to promote well-being and natural interaction.
05
Includes meditation rooms strategically located for comfort and introspection.

## Overview

The Krakow Oxygen Home is situated in Krakow, Poland, an area facing significant air pollution and associated health challenges, particularly lung cancer. The project aims to provide a supportive environment for cancer patients by integrating architectural design with therapeutic and community-focused elements. The facility is conceptualized as a sanctuary, where architecture, nature, and social engagement converge to promote well-being and healing.

## Spatial Journey

The design carefully navigates the three stages of the cancer experience—discovery, struggle, and acceptance—through its spatial organization. The interconnected building modules encourage fluid movement between spaces, each tailored to specific functions while also fostering a sense of community. Key areas such as the Living Room, Consulting Rooms, and Meditation Room are purposefully arranged to create an inviting atmosphere. The Living Room is designed for comfort with generous natural light, while the Consulting Rooms provide critical emotional support. The Meditation Room promotes self-reflection and tranquility, enhancing the overall journey for patients and their families.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection in the Krakow Oxygen Home underscores its commitment to sustainability and therapeutic environments. Utilizing brick for structural walls imparts warmth and permanence, while Corten steel in structural elements conveys resilience. Wood enhances natural textures in flooring, creating a welcoming ambiance, and extensive use of glass fosters visual connectivity between indoor spaces and the outdoor landscape. This thoughtful combination not only serves functional purposes but also embodies a strong ecological narrative, encouraging the integration of the built environment with the natural surroundings for the benefit of users and the community.

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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

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
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