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Gabion Stone Filters and Textured Brick Create a Sustainable Community Space in Urban Environment

Authors:
Michał Szymanowski, Katarzyna Charciarek, Mateusz Szymanowski, Diego Llorente
Gabion Stone Filters and Textured Brick Create a Sustainable Community Space in Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Combining gabion stone filters with textured brick, the design enhances urban air quality while creating a multifunctional community space for engagement and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes gabion stones as both structural elements and natural air filters.
02
Incorporates textured brick to enhance aesthetic warmth and durability.
03
Features extensive glass façades for natural light and visibility to the environment.
04
Includes integrated water features for additional air purification and cooling effects.
05
Design promotes community interaction through adaptable public spaces.
The Kraków Oxygen - Filter Machine is an architectural project designed to address urban air pollution while promoting community interaction and environmental awareness in Kraków, Poland. This structure serves as a multifunctional space that integrates ecological solutions with social initiatives, reflecting a commitment to urban sustainability and public health. The project utilizes innovative design and material selection to fulfill its functional goals while ensuring aesthetic appeal.

Design and Functionality
The project features a strategically divided site, including multiple zones that correspond to different functions. Gabion boxes occupy the landscape, providing natural filtration for rainwater and supporting ecological habitats. These elements work in conjunction with vertical trees, which act as natural air filters. Water features enrich the design by contributing not only to aesthetics but also to the air purification process. The architectural form is characterized by an angular design with a sloped roof and extensive glass façades, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. This design facilitates a seamless connection between the internal spaces and the external environment.

Inside, the layout comprises several key areas, such as consultation rooms aimed at providing psychological support, community spaces that encourage social interactions, and flexible zones for public events and gatherings. This assortment of functionalities ensures that the space meets the diverse needs of the community while fostering engagement among users.

Innovative Design Approaches
What differentiates the Kraków Oxygen - Filter Machine from typical architectural projects is its unique integration of ecological elements into the urban fabric. The project employs a material palette that emphasizes sustainability, featuring gabion stones for natural filtration, reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass façades for transparency, and textured brick for warmth. This combination not only enhances the visual experience but also supports the project's environmental objectives.

The architecture promotes user interaction with its thoughtfully designed landscape, integrating green spaces that invite community engagement and activity. The variability in layout and design fosters adaptability, allowing the facility to accommodate changing community needs over time. This sensitivity to user experience and environmental context underscores the project’s commitment to promoting public health and well-being.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs in more depth, a thorough review of the project’s presentation will provide greater insights into the innovative ideas that shaped this initiative. Examine the architectural concepts that inform this project to appreciate its comprehensive approach to urban design and community betterment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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