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Charred Wooden Shingles and Greenery Transforming Urban Housing in Kharkiv

Author:
Massimo Bellotti
Charred Wooden Shingles and Greenery Transforming Urban Housing in Kharkiv

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and insulated materials, the design integrates extensive greenery to create a sustainable urban housing solution that promotes community interaction within a revitalized Kharkiv neighborhood.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for optimal natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes extensive greenery to promote biodiversity and improve urban microclimates.
05
Designed with flexible living spaces to accommodate evolving community needs.

### Overview

The RE-kharkiv project addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by Kharkiv, Ukraine, in the wake of urban disruptions. This initiative emphasizes sustainability, social cohesion, and the revitalization of urban environments through modern architectural practices. Central to the project's design is the concept of the "Garden-city," which aims to embed nature within urban contexts to alleviate congestion and improve resident quality of life. By prioritizing accessible open spaces, the project fosters community interactions and enhances the sense of belonging among inhabitants.

### Sustainable and Community-Centric Design

The project's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its resource-efficient strategies and strong focus on material recovery during demolition. It incorporates energy performance standards throughout the construction phases, promoting eco-friendly practices. The layout encourages pedestrian pathways and communal areas, designed to facilitate easy navigation and enhance social connectivity. This emphasis on inclusivity transforms the neighborhood into a vibrant community hub, where interaction and accessibility are key.

### Material Selection and Architectural Composition

Material choices reflect a blend of innovative and traditional elements that support sustainability while maintaining structural integrity. The use of insulated sandwich panels ensures energy efficiency, while reinforced concrete provides durability compliant with safety regulations. Wood cladding adds warmth to facades, and corrugated sheet metal enhances the modern aesthetic and weather resilience.

Architecturally, the design balances contemporary elements with historical references, integrating features from existing buildings to preserve cultural identity. Varied building heights and unique balcony designs, such as bow-windows, promote visual interest and maximize natural light in residential units. The master plan emphasizes flexibility, allowing apartments to adapt to the changing needs of occupants.

The reconstruction is executed in phases, beginning with the removal of damaged elements, followed by structural reinforcement using prefabricated components, and the installation of energy-efficient amenities. The final phase includes landscaping, which enhances the connection between built structures and green areas, creating a cohesive urban environment. Community amenities are strategically located to encourage interactions, such as sheltered gathering spaces and cultural hubs within parks that provide opportunities for engagement and learning.

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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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