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Electrostatic Air Filtration Within Charred Timber and Glass Structure for Urban Resilience

Authors:
Patryk Krol, Mateusz Binkowski, Malgorzata Nowicka, Malgorzata Nowicka
Electrostatic Air Filtration Within Charred Timber and Glass Structure for Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

An electrostatic filtration system embedded within a charred timber and glass structure enhances air quality while creating multifunctional civic spaces in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with an electrostatic air filtration system to improve urban air quality.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Integrates multifunctional community spaces to encourage social interaction and wellness.

### Overview
Located in Cracow, Poland, the project responds to the public health crisis posed by air pollution, specifically addressing risks associated with lung cancer in urban settings. The design serves as a functional intervention aimed at improving air quality while fostering community well-being. By integrating technological advancements with architectural strategy, the building functions as a filtration system for the urban environment, providing a healthier atmosphere for residents.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
The architectural layout emphasizes connectivity through the creation of communal spaces linked by courtyards, designed to encourage social interaction and enhance mental well-being. Areas designated for exercise and recreation complement the mixed-use functionality of the building, promoting a holistic approach to health. Additionally, dedicated spaces such as libraries and exhibition areas foster community involvement and cultivate a sense of ownership among residents.

### Materiality and Technical Integration
The selection of materials is integral to both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Glass envelopes the structure, allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces while visually connecting occupants to the surrounding environment. Wood is utilized for structural components and finishes, underscoring sustainability efforts and contributing to a warm interior atmosphere. Concrete provides foundational stability, complementing the natural landscape. Furthermore, the inclusion of electrostatic filter materials ensures effective air purification, pivotal to the project’s health-oriented objectives. The innovative use of industrial waste materials in construction represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable architecture, exemplifying adaptive reuse strategies conducive to environmental stewardship.

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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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