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Translucent Glass Facades and Copper Roofing Foster Community Wellness in Urban Landscape

Authors:
Yoko Kawai, Takaya Kurimoto
Translucent Glass Facades and Copper Roofing Foster Community Wellness in Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

Translucent glass facades and sustainable copper roofing create a harmonious connection between nature and built space, serving as a community wellness center that encourages reflection and social interaction in the heart of Krakow.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light while offering views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Copper roofing provides durability and an aesthetic integration with the urban environment.
03
The use of 100% recycled wall board aligns with sustainable building practices.
04
A meandering pathway guides visitors through varying indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting reflection.
05
Zoning of different functions within the center facilitates both personal and community activities.

### Overview
The "Narrow Path to Deep Woods" project is situated in Bror Hansson Park, Krakow, Poland, and aims to enhance the well-being of the community by offering a tranquil environment amidst urban life. The design facilitates a transition from the bustling surroundings to a space that promotes introspection and connection with nature. By integrating architectural elements with natural landscapes, the initiative encourages visitors to engage in personal reflection while fostering community bonds.

### Spatial and Environmental Integration
The site strategically distances the main activity areas from Garcinska Street to reduce the impact of urban noise and emissions. The incorporation of evergreen trees and shrubs serves both an ecological purpose—absorbing pollutants and providing shaded areas—and enhances visitor comfort. The design extends the natural landscape into the built environment, with expansive green spaces, communal areas, and children's play zones that cater to diverse user groups. This spatial strategy not only promotes relaxation but also strengthens communal ties by providing a venue for social events.

### Architectural Design and Materiality
The architectural layout features a fluid form characterized by a "narrow path" that guides visitors through various activity spaces. The arrangement facilitates a smooth transition from outdoor settings to indoor facilities, ensuring engagement with the environment. Interior spaces are zoned to support specific functions, such as counseling and dining, contributing to both private and communal experiences.

Materials selected for the project emphasize sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Key components include a copper roof, glass light wells, and local European oak flooring, alongside interior finishes made from recycled and non-toxic materials. Moreover, the design of the back wall replicates the facade of an adjacent building, maintaining architectural continuity within the historical context of Krakow. This attention to materiality and form reinforces both environmental quality and cultural relevance.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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