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Elevated Living Spaces Featuring Diamond Structure and Eco-Friendly Materials in Urban Design

Authors:
Catherine Wilk, Michael Zagalis
Elevated Living Spaces Featuring Diamond Structure and Eco-Friendly Materials in Urban Design

Project in-detail

With a diamond-shaped structure that elevates living spaces above street level and incorporates eco-friendly materials like steel and wood, the design fosters an interconnected community environment focused on sustainability and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The diamond-shaped support structure elevates the building, enhancing natural airflow and light penetration.
02
Modular units enable flexible living arrangements, promoting adaptability for diverse family sizes.
03
A trussed framework contributes both to structural integrity and a visually open interior layout.
04
Community gardens incorporated into the design foster social interaction and local biodiversity.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to the building's aesthetic while improving fire resistance and durability.
The "Rising Refuge" project represents a thoughtful approach to contemporary urban architecture, designed for the unique environment of Kraków. It reflects a commitment to creating living spaces that prioritize safety, connectivity, and sustainability. The architecture of this project aims to redefine the concept of home within an urban landscape, ensuring that it serves not merely as shelter but as a nurturing environment conducive to well-being and community.

The key function of the Rising Refuge is to provide a sustainable and welcoming home for residents while integrating seamlessly into the urban fabric of Kraków. At its core, the project emphasizes environmental harmony, social interaction, and the promotion of health and safety for its inhabitants. The design embodies a sense of elevation – both literally and metaphorically – as it lifts living spaces above the typical street level, allowing for better integration with nature and improved air quality. This innovative design supports a lifestyle that encourages outdoor engagement and connection with the surrounding environment.

The architectural composition of the Rising Refuge is marked by its modular units that create distinct yet interconnected living spaces. These modules are organized around a central atrium, which serves as a multipurpose communal space that bridges the various living areas. The use of glass in the façade allows for transparency, inviting natural light into interior spaces and fostering a strong visual connection between the indoors and outdoors. The careful arrangement of structural elements not only enhances this connection but also promotes bright, welcoming environments for residents.

One of the project’s standout features is its diamond-shaped support structure. This unique architectural choice adds both aesthetic interest and stability, lifting various modules off the ground and creating an elevated experience for residents. The design promotes airflow and sunlight penetration, crucial for maintaining a healthy living space while also allowing for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The innovative use of a trussed framework further emphasizes the project’s commitment to both strength and elegance in design.

Additionally, the materials selected for the Rising Refuge play a vital role in its architectural identity. Steel is used extensively in the structural framework, providing necessary support while simultaneously contributing a modern touch to the project’s overall appearance. Wood is incorporated into flooring and other accent elements, introducing warmth and texture that balances the sleekness of the steel and glass. These thoughtful material choices not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also improve the ecological footprint of the project by prioritizing sustainability.

The design encourages interaction and connectivity, not only among residents but also with the broader community. Publicly accessible areas such as green pathways and communal gardens foster social engagement and provide spaces for leisure and activities. By dismantling barriers typically associated with traditional housing designs, the Rising Refuge creates an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures relationships and strengthens community ties.

The unique architectural design approaches taken in the Rising Refuge reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by urban populations. The integration of elevated living spaces with ample greenery and communal areas directly addresses the need for healthier, more sustainable urban living. By utilizing innovative structural forms and a blend of natural materials, this project exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can respond to contemporary social needs while enhancing the quality of life in a bustling city.

For those interested in delving deeper into the project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall design will provide further insights into its innovative approaches and detailed considerations. Understanding these elements helps reveal how the Rising Refuge stands as a model of modern urban living that embraces nature, community, and sustainability. The combination of these factors promises to redefine expectations of urban homes in the future, encouraging us to consider how architecture can shape our experiences within our living environments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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