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Living Atrium and Energy-Efficient Solutions in a Sustainable Community Center

Authors:
Burak ILHAN, Mirbek Bekboliev
Living Atrium and Energy-Efficient Solutions in a Sustainable Community Center

Project in-detail

The integration of a central living atrium with raw concrete and triple glazing creates a sustainable community center designed to facilitate rehabilitation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central living atrium that enhances natural ventilation and light distribution.
02
Utilizes triple-glazed windows to achieve optimal energy efficiency throughout the year.
03
Features barrier-free design elements to ensure accessibility for all users.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable water management.
05
Includes community-oriented spaces that encourage social interaction and support networks.

## Overview
The Krakow Oxygen Core is located in Krakow, Poland, and serves as a rehabilitation shelter alongside a community resource center. The design emphasizes functionality while addressing social needs and environmental considerations, integrating various spaces intended for community interaction and individual support.

## Inclusive Design Approach
The layout prioritizes universal accessibility, featuring wide circulation paths and barrier-free navigation to accommodate all users. Communal spaces, including a kitchen, dining area, and consultation rooms, foster social interaction, promoting support networks among users. A central atrium, highlighted by a prominent tree, symbolizes the commitment to sustainability and holistic rejuvenation, acting as both a metaphorical and physical heart of the facility.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
Materials chosen for the project reflect a balance between aesthetic appeal and ecological responsibility. Key features include raw concrete, which enhances structural integrity and thermal performance, and triple-glazed windows, which contribute to energy efficiency and natural lighting. Additionally, semi-permeable hardscape materials assist in stormwater management, while energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, are integrated to optimize energy consumption. A photovoltaic system supports the building's energy independence, highlighting the commitment to renewable resources. Rainwater harvesting strategies further enhance the project's sustainable profile, ensuring responsible water management while maintaining indoor air quality through advanced ventilation systems.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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