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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Embrace Nature in A Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Marius Pawliczek
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Embrace Nature in A Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Elevated above existing tree canopies, a blend of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles harmonizes with the natural landscape, creating a versatile community space designed for social interaction and ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design preserves existing trees, minimizing ecological impact.
02
Community spaces seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and aesthetics.
04
Cross-laminated timber construction allows for rapid assembly.
05
Natural ventilation strategies optimize energy efficiency throughout.

### Overview

Located in Cracow, Poland, the T(H)REE House is designed to emphasize ecological sustainability and community integration. The project incorporates natural elements, innovative architectural strategies, and user-centered design to address urban living and environmental considerations. This analysis outlines the design concept, spatial organization, materiality, and distinctive features underlying the T(H)REE House.

### Spatial Organization and Layout

The T(H)REE House comprises three primary volumes that cater to distinct functional requirements while harmonizing with surrounding green spaces. These sections include a reception area, exhibition space, community dining and kitchen zone, consulting and meeting rooms, and outdoor gardens. The layout minimizes circulation paths to optimize space utilization and foster user interaction with the landscape. Circular forms serve as visual landmarks that facilitate intuitive movement and connectivity to the adjacent park.

Outdoor integration is a key aspect of the design, featuring courtyards and terraces that promote social engagement and leisure activities. The careful arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces reinforces a sense of community while enhancing user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for the T(H)REE House prioritizes sustainability alongside aesthetic considerations. Concrete provides structural integrity and thermal mass, while wood serves as the primary material for the building's framework and interior finishes, chosen for its renewable qualities. Prefabricated elements contribute to consistent quality and reduced on-site construction time. Additionally, green roof components support energy efficiency and biodiversity, improving air quality and insulation.

This strategic choice of materials not only adheres to sustainable practices but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the structure, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Energy-efficient technologies, including photovoltaic systems, further contribute to the building's energy autonomy and support natural ventilation and daylighting, aligning with the project's commitment to ecological preservation.

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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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