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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.

### Overview
Located in Kraków, Poland, the design addresses the pressing issue of urban air pollution by integrating functional and ecological components. The intent is to enhance air quality while promoting community interaction and discourse. This project conceptualizes a multifunctional space that merges ecological considerations with social responsibility in a historically rich urban setting.

### Spatial Configuration
The site plan is organized into distinct zones that serve various functions. Gabion boxes function as ground-level air filters, facilitating rainwater infiltration and supporting ecological growth. Trees are strategically arranged as vertical air purifiers, contributing significantly to the local microclimate. Water features are incorporated not only for aesthetic value but also as elements of purification.

The architectural form is characterized by an angular design with a sloped roof and expansive glass walls, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior. A contrasting use of durable textured brick and transparent glass fosters a meaningful dialogue between the built environment and its surroundings. The interior layout includes consultation rooms for psychological support, leisure areas for social interaction, and adaptable spaces designated for cultural events, ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse community needs.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The construction employs a carefully chosen material palette that emphasizes sustainability. Gabion stones provide natural filtration and visual appeal, while reinforced concrete ensures structural stability. The glass façade enhances transparency and connection to the outdoors, whereas the use of brick adds warmth and tactile contrast.

This project exemplifies a holistic approach in addressing environmental and community health through thoughtful design elements and strategic user engagement. By prioritizing adaptability and ecological function, the design anticipates the evolving needs of a dynamic urban population.

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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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