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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Steel Framework in Community-Centered Agricultural Housing

Authors:
Kaja Terze, Tomas Martinez Garcia, Hugh Daniel Gleeson, Tata Zakaraia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Steel Framework in Community-Centered Agricultural Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular steel frameworks and charred wooden shingles, this community-oriented development integrates agricultural practices with sustainable housing to enhance local engagement and resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular construction system that allows for future scalability and adaptability.
02
Incorporates community gardens within residential units to promote local food production.
03
Features a combination of charred wooden shingles with steel frameworks for enhanced durability.
04
Integrates educational hubs designed for workshops and community learning activities.
05
Designed specifically for resilience in post-war urban environments, fostering social cohesion.

## Overview

Located in Saltivka, Kharkiv, this architectural project responds to the challenges of urban stagnation and agricultural exploitation prevalent in the region. The design seeks to rejuvenate suburban environments in Ukraine, focusing on environmental resilience, community empowerment, and sustainable living in the context of post-war reconstruction. The intent is to integrate agricultural practices with community-driven architecture through a decentralized model that encourages local participation in land use and decision-making.

## Spatial Strategy

The development features a diverse range of spatial typologies aimed at fostering community interaction and collaboration. Residential areas are organized around family gardens and shared spaces, promoting social cohesion. Cooperative farms and educational facilities support collaborative agricultural practices and local learning initiatives. Public spaces, including cultural venues and natural areas, serve as communal hubs that enhance recreational opportunities while addressing the need for cultural integration. This strategic spatial organization balances various functions, contributing to an overall improvement in quality of life.

## Materiality and Construction

The architectural framework adopts a modular and prefabricated approach, utilizing materials designed for flexibility and rapid assembly. Key structural components include steel square tubing, I profiles, and Warren trusses, ensuring robust construction. Cladding options such as glass and polycarbonate panels facilitate natural light and thermal regulation, while photovoltaic panel structures contribute to energy efficiency. This combination of materials underscores a commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to environmental considerations, enabling efficient building processes with minimized ecological impact.

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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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