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Translucent Polycarbonate Facade Enhancing Natural Light in a Geothermal Community Health Center

Authors:
Elie Hawi, Mikael tawk, Sarah Mardini, Melissa el hachem
Translucent Polycarbonate Facade Enhancing Natural Light in a Geothermal Community Health Center

Project in-detail

With a polycarbonate facade that seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor environments, this healthcare facility utilizes geothermal systems and air-purifying tiles to foster community interaction and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes transparent polycarbonate panels to enhance natural light and connection to the outdoors.
02
Incorporates Prosolve tiles for air purification, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
03
Features geothermal heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency and sustainability.
04
Design includes flexible spaces that adapt to various community needs and activities.
05
Integrated outdoor gardens that support therapeutic experiences and enhance visitor well-being.

### Overview

Located in Krakow, Poland, the "Harmonious Stimulus" project aims to redefine health and community spaces within an urban context. The design strives to blend functionality with an environment conducive to well-being, emphasizing the physical and psychological requirements of users. The intent is to create a communal hub that prioritizes natural elements and fosters interaction among visitors.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The layout of "Harmonious Stimulus" is organized across two primary floors. The ground floor includes essential amenities such as reception, a library, play areas, dining facilities, and first-aid capabilities, all designed to promote openness and social interaction. The first floor is dedicated to quieter spaces, such as consulting rooms and lounges, which allow for private reflection alongside community engagement. The design encourages fluid movement throughout the building, with organic forms and pathways that naturally guide visitors.

### Material Choices and Sustainability Features

Innovative material selections reflect both aesthetic and functional objectives. The façade utilizes polycarbonate panels that facilitate abundant natural light while ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, Prosolve tiles are incorporated into the flooring system, enhancing air quality through their design. Geothermal systems are integrated to optimize heating and cooling, underscoring a commitment to sustainable practices. An emphasis on environmental psychology informs the design, with elements aimed at enhancing user experience and promoting healthy behavior. Folding polycarbonate sheets provide adaptability, allowing for flexible indoor-outdoor spaces that engage users and connect them to the surrounding environment.

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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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