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Gradient U-Glass Facade Enclosing Community Spaces Enhanced by Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Andrey Ukolov, Ekaterina Osipova
Gradient U-Glass Facade Enclosing Community Spaces Enhanced by Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Elevated sections with a gradient of U-glass create a striking interplay of light and greenery, surrounding a vibrant greenhouse that fosters community engagement and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building’s radial layout promotes seamless movement and social interaction around a central greenhouse.
02
A gradient of U-glass panels enhances natural light while distinguishing between public and private spaces.
03
Elevated sections of the structure create sheltered areas for community activities beneath.
04
Natural wood materials, including cross-laminated timber panels, contribute to the building's warmth.
05
The design prioritizes ecological sensitivity, integrating green elements to support biodiversity within the urban context.
The Krakow Oxygen Home represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and ecological principles, set within the vibrant context of Krakow, Poland. This project showcases a contemporary design ethos that emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and a harmonious relationship with nature. The architecture is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the life of the community, fostering social interactions while addressing pressing urban challenges.

The primary function of the Krakow Oxygen Home is to serve as a multifunctional community space that facilitates various activities ranging from social gatherings to educational workshops. Central to this design is the greenhouse, which plays a pivotal role in both its functionality and symbolism. The greenhouse is envisioned as a sanctuary for plant life and a gathering place for the community, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability in urban architecture. Its presence encourages biodiversity while providing a unique setting for events and interactions.

A notable aspect of the project is its radial layout, which organizes the building around the central greenhouse. This design approach not only cultivates a sense of openness but also allows for privacy in various functional areas. The layout fosters a natural flow of movement, linking together community rooms and consultation spaces with access to the greenhouse, thereby promoting spontaneous social interactions among users. Elevated portions of the building enhance the sense of lightness and enable seamless connections between indoors and outdoors.

In terms of materiality, the Krakow Oxygen Home features U-glass panels that offer a gradient of transparency. This careful selection of materials addresses both functional and aesthetic considerations. The more opaque sections contribute to privacy, whereas transparent areas strengthen the connection between the interior spaces and the lush greenery of the greenhouse. Additionally, reflective finishes on the building's base visually blend its surroundings, emphasizing the project’s integration with the natural landscape. The use of natural wood in the interiors adds warmth, creating a welcoming atmosphere that fosters comfort and engagement.

The project is designed with user needs at the forefront, integrating community rooms strategically placed around the greenhouse for easy access. These spaces can accommodate a range of activities, from meetings to educational programs, thereby serving diverse community interests. The adaptability of these spaces enables the Krakow Oxygen Home to evolve with the changing needs of the community and to remain relevant to its users over time.

Furthermore, outdoor integration is a crucial aspect of this architectural endeavor. The design incorporates pathways that radiate from the greenhouse, promoting a fluid transition between built and natural environments. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also encourages community members to engage with their environment, fostering a sense of belonging and connectivity with nature.

The unique design approaches employed in the Krakow Oxygen Home emphasize the interplay between architecture and the ecological environment. By prioritizing sustainability through the incorporation of a greenhouse and creating spaces that facilitate interaction, this project exemplifies a modern response to urban living. The thoughtful combination of function, design, and community focus allows the Krakow Oxygen Home to emerge as a vital resource, enhancing the quality of life for its users.

For those interested in understanding the architectural intricacies of this project, including the architectural plans, architectural sections, and comprehensive architectural designs, exploring the project presentation will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas that define the Krakow Oxygen Home.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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