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Support Center Emphasizing Natural Light and Translucent Glass Facades with Sustainable Landscaping

Authors:
HSIAO-WEN LEE, HSIN-TZU CHAN, WEI-HAN LIN, HAI-MENG ZHANG
Support Center Emphasizing Natural Light and Translucent Glass Facades with Sustainable Landscaping

Project in-detail

Nestled in Krakow, this support center uniquely integrates translucent glass facades and warm timber accents, creating a welcoming environment that harmonizes community interaction with healing landscapes for individuals navigating lung cancer.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates misty glass for privacy while maximizing natural light throughout the facility.
02
Curvilinear forms in the architecture reflect the themes of healing and connection, enhancing patient comfort.
03
An integrated outdoor space features therapeutic gardens designed specifically for patient reflection and community gatherings.
04
The use of charred wooden shingles adds not only aesthetic appeal but also durability and fire resistance.
05
The facility’s layout emphasizes inclusivity, facilitating easy access for both patients and their visiting families.
The project being analyzed is the Krakow Oxygen Home, an architectural endeavor situated in Krakow, Poland, designed with a clear focus on addressing the needs of individuals living with lung cancer. This facility represents a significant shift towards creating supportive environments within healthcare architecture, blending the necessity for medical treatment with the importance of community engagement and natural healing. The design provides a dual function, serving not only as a medical support center but also as a gathering space for patients, families, and the general public.

The Krakow Oxygen Home is characterized by its thoughtful layout, which prioritizes accessibility and interaction. From the moment one enters the building, there is a clear invitation to explore. The spaces are arranged in a fluid configuration that encourages movement and promotes a sense of belonging. Key areas include consulting rooms where patients can receive emotional support, community rooms designed for group activities and educational purposes, and spaces dedicated to culinary nourishment. Essential staff offices are integrated nearby, ensuring that administrative functions can be carried out seamlessly while remaining connected to the patient experience.

A noteworthy aspect of this project is its architectural expression. The design employs expansive glass elements, providing an abundance of natural light and offering visual connections to the surrounding landscape. The use of misty glass strategically placed throughout the building protects patient privacy while allowing light to filter through, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. Concrete is utilized for its structural reliability, combining it with warm wooden floors in communal areas to enhance comfort. The project effectively merges these materials to create spaces that are both functional and inviting.

The inclusion of outdoor areas is another essential feature of the Krakow Oxygen Home. These spaces are thoughtfully designed to promote storytelling and social exchange, reinforcing the facility’s commitment to community involvement. By integrating greenery and landscaping into the architecture, the project cultivates a tranquil environment conducive to healing and reflection. The architectural design reflects the understanding that nature plays a crucial role in the well-being of individuals facing health challenges.

What sets this project apart is its unique approach to healthcare architecture. Unlike traditional medical facilities that can often feel clinical and isolating, the Krakow Oxygen Home embodies inclusivity. The design blurs the lines between patient and public, inviting community members to engage with those who are navigating their cancer journey. This is achieved through thoughtful spatial configurations and intentional design choices that foster interaction and build relationships.

The architectural plans and sections reveal further intricacies of this project, showcasing how the various elements are meticulously organized to create a coherent and experiential journey for visitors. Each aspect of the design has been carefully considered to maximize both functionality and comfort, prioritizing the human experience over standard layouts typically found in healthcare settings.

In summary, the Krakow Oxygen Home serves as a model for future architectural endeavors in the healthcare sector. Its emphasis on community, natural environments, and patient-centered design presents a compelling case for transforming how medical facilities might function. For those interested in exploring the details of this project further, including the architectural designs and ideas that shape its innovative approach, I encourage you to review the project presentation.
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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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