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Architectural strategies for energy-efficient housing: Analysis of student design proposals Cover

Architectural strategies for energy-efficient housing: Analysis of student design proposals

Open Access
|Aug 2026

Figures & Tables

Figure 1

The compact spatial configuration enables the optimization of heat loss within individual buildings. (Author’s own elaboration based on an academic design project completed as part of the course Design of Multi-Family Residential Complexes; project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 2

The compact spatial arrangement does not induce a sense of claustrophobia due to the sculptural character imparted to the façades and individual buildings (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 3

A diagram of the building layout indicating the elements that require particular energy-related attention in order to minimize heat loss. Own elaboration based on an academic design project (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 4

The placement of staircases within “thermal buffer” zones enables additional energy-saving effects to be achieved in the overall energy balance of the building. Moreover, the direct exposure of stairwells to natural daylight provides further savings by reducing the need for artificial lighting. Own elaboration based on an academic design project (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 5

The flexible shaping of individual apartments within a compact spatial arrangement allows for effective energy balancing (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 6

The apartments function as heat exchangers, working together with buffer zones to form a thermal accumulator model. Own elaboration based on an academic design project (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 7

The raised technical floor, which levels the shapes of individual apartment “cells,” serves technological, insulating, and gravity-ventilation functions. Own elaboration based on an academic design project (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 8

The appropriate design of layered walls filled with insulating material ensures adequate thermal and acoustic insulation between individual apartments [9]. Own elaboration based on an academic design project (project author: Adam Myczkowski; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 9

The symbolism of the mining shaft references the traditional Silesian landscape. Individual residential units suspended from a shared circulation core provide appropriate functional conditions, acoustic comfort, and a sense of privacy. All of these functional aspects are supported by energy-efficient solutions that enhance user comfort (project author: Piotr Juzwa; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 10

Example residential units adapted to the diverse needs and expectations of occupants. The illustration shows an M-3 apartment (left) and an M-2 apartment (right) (project author: Piotr Juzwa; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 11

Example of a residential unit in a duplex configuration. The illustration shows an M-4/M-5 apartment, created by combining smaller independent units (project author: Piotr Juzwa; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

Figure 12

Example of a residential unit composition: cross-section of a double core and elevations. The spatial arrangement allows for optimal daylighting of individual apartments, enhancing the overall energy balance (project author: Piotr Juzwa; design studio supervisor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Jerzy Wojewódka; course instructor: Associate Prof., Eng. Arch. Grzegorz Nawrot).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/acee-2026-0005 | Journal eISSN: 2720-6947 (formerly 1899-0142) | Journal ISSN: 1899-0142
Language: English
Page range: 57 - 65
Submitted on: Nov 18, 2025
Accepted on: Dec 22, 2025
Published on: Aug 28, 2026
Published by: Silesian University of Technology
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: Volume open

© 2026 Jerzy Wojewódka, Julia Więckowska, published by Silesian University of Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.