Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Circular Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Concrete and Acoustic Insulation for Resilient Community Living

Authors:
Yun Liao, Jiaying Su
Circular Shelter Constructed With Reinforced Concrete and Acoustic Insulation for Resilient Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with reinforced concrete and designed with a circular layout, the structure integrates dedicated air raid shelters and acoustic insulation to provide a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable communities in conflict zones.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular units to allow for flexible space adaptation.
02
Incorporates dedicated air raid shelters within residential units for immediate safety.
03
Circular design minimizes exposure to threats while enhancing communal engagement.
04
Utilizes acoustic insulation to reduce external noise disturbances in living areas.
05
Features self-sustaining systems for water and energy to enhance resilience.
The architectural design project focuses on creating a resilient living environment in Kharkiv, Ukraine, a city experiencing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict. The primary objective is to develop a structure that not only serves as a home but also provides safety and stability amidst war conditions. The building is designed with an emphasis on modularity, security, and community integration, addressing the immediate needs of displaced populations and local residents.

The project represents a strategic response to urban warfare by incorporating various architectural elements that facilitate both protection and community interaction. Functionally, the building offers living units, communal spaces, and essential safety features, including reinforced walls and dedicated air raid shelters. The design is tailored to create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and normalcy within a context of instability.

Innovative Structural Design and Safety Features

One of the defining aspects of this project is its innovative structural design aimed at maximizing safety for residents. The building employs a modular framework, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration based on occupancy needs. Reinforced concrete and steel frame construction ensure robustness against potential attacks, while the circular layout minimizes exposed edges, reducing vulnerability.

Specific safety features include multiple exits that facilitate rapid evacuation, as well as strategically placed air raid shelters integrated within the residential units. The inclusion of acoustic insulation helps to manage noise, enhancing the living experience even amidst an active conflict. These design elements collectively prioritize occupant safety while creating a habitable space tailored to the unique circumstances of urban conflict.

Community and Adaptability in Architectural Design

The project also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and adaptability in architectural design. Communal areas are woven into the layout, providing spaces for interaction and support among residents. These spaces can serve different purposes over time, reflecting the changing needs of the population as conditions evolve.

The architectural design further incorporates self-sustaining systems for water and energy supply, reducing reliance on external infrastructure, which can be compromised during conflicts. This focus on sustainability aligns with the project's commitment to resilience, ensuring that residents can maintain a degree of normalcy even in challenging situations.

The overall design reflects a thoughtful approach, balancing the necessity for security with the need for social connection and adaptability. The building not only provides immediate shelter but also aims to reinforce community bonds and prepare for future stability.

To gain deeper insights into the project, readers are encouraged to explore related architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that illustrate the innovative strategies employed. These elements offer a comprehensive understanding of how architecture can play a critical role in urban resilience in conflict zones.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy