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Timber-Structured Pavilion Featuring Natural Ventilation and Folding Walls for Enhanced Community Interaction

Authors:
Gyula Takács, Szilvia Odry, András Németh, Dalma Fix
Timber-Structured Pavilion Featuring Natural Ventilation and Folding Walls for Enhanced Community Interaction

Project in-detail

The integration of a timber-structured pavilion with modular grid planning and natural ventilation mechanisms creates an adaptive community space, designed to enhance social interaction while addressing urban air quality challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates a central chimney-like flue that enhances indoor air purification.
02
Modular grid planning allows for flexible room configurations based on community needs.
03
Natural ventilation strategies utilize large openings and folding walls for improved airflow.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased material durability.
05
The design features a timber post and beam system that supports sustainable construction practices.

### Project Overview

Located in Krakow, Poland, the "Air Forge" project is designed to engage with the critical issue of air pollution in urban environments while emphasizing community wellness and sustainable practices. Conceptualized as an "Oxygen Home," the building combines functional versatility with a symbolic commitment to improving air quality through innovative architectural solutions.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptability

The ground plan measures 15 meters by 15 meters and is organized around a 5-meter by 5-meter modular grid, facilitating diverse spatial configurations. A prominent feature is the central pavilion, which incorporates multiple community functions and encourages social interaction among users. This flexible layout allows for spaces to be interconnected or isolated as needed, accommodating a variety of activities from community gatherings to educational programs.

### Material and Sustainability Integration

Timber serves as the primary construction material, chosen for its renewability and positive impact on carbon sequestration. The structural system, comprising timber posts and beams, ensures both strength and aesthetic fluidity while promoting energy efficiency. Large openings throughout the design enhance natural ventilation and daylighting, addressing indoor air quality concerns and increasing occupant comfort. The project also employs heat and ventilation strategies that significantly lower energy consumption, underlining a commitment to sustainable building practices.

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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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