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Saline Mist Towers Crafted from Weathered Steel and Glass in a Community Center Setting

Authors:
Krzysztof Kamienobrodzki, Alicja Dziurosz, Beata Głaz, Piotr Nowocień
Saline Mist Towers Crafted from Weathered Steel and Glass in a Community Center Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathered steel and expansive glass, the community center integrates saline mist towers to enhance local air quality while providing multifunctional spaces for health and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates saline mist towers to improve local air quality.
02
Utilizes weathered Cor-Ten steel for structural and aesthetic purposes.
03
Features extensive glass facades for natural light and visibility.
04
Incorporates landscaped areas to enhance biophilic design.
05
Provides flexible, modular spaces for various community functions.

**Overview and Context**

The Inhaler project is situated in Krakow's historical district near the Main Market, addressing significant air quality concerns due to the city's geographical context, which contributes to elevated pollution levels. Functioning as both a community center and a health-focused initiative, the design aims to enhance public wellbeing while promoting social interaction. The project draws inspiration from traditional graduation towers in Poland, historically utilized to mitigate respiratory ailments, thereby linking contemporary interventions with the region's cultural heritage.

**Materiality and Structural Elements**

A range of materials has been selected to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The extensive use of glass in the facade facilitates transparency and visual connections with the surroundings, while Cor-Ten steel provides structural durability alongside a weathered aesthetic. Interior elements utilize wood, potentially birch or oak, to introduce warmth and tactile quality, complemented by robust concrete pathways and natural stone landscaping which fosters a connection with the outdoors.

**Design Features and Functionality**

Key architectural features include graduation towers that function as air purifiers by dispersing saline mist, contributing to improved local air quality. The community center offers flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of programs, including workshops and gatherings, promoting community engagement. Additionally, private areas such as patios serve as quiet retreats, enhancing visitor experience through intimate interactions with nature. Technical specifications include a hydraulic system for the mist circulation, efficient water management for operational consistency, and a layout optimized for natural ventilation, thereby minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling 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

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