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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.

### Overview of the Project
Located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, this design addresses the complex challenges posed by urban warfare and aims to create a building that enhances safety and resilience in conflict zones. Recognizing the impact of armed conflict on urban settings, the project integrates strategies to minimize civilian exposure to violence while providing functional spaces that support community needs. The design balances humanitarian considerations with structural integrity, creating a refuge for residents in the face of ongoing conflict.

### Key Design Outcomes
**Innovative Structural Framework**: The building features a modular structural framework that can easily adapt to changing conditions and varied requirements. This adaptability allows the structure to function as both a refuge and a community hub, contributing to the overall resilience of the urban environment.
**Air Raid Shelters**: Integrated air raid shelters are a crucial aspect of the design, providing immediate safety for residents. These shelters include strategically located entrances and effective ventilation systems to ensure emergency preparedness. Additionally, communal areas and recreational facilities are incorporated to foster community connections and support resilience beyond mere physical safety.

### Material Selection
The choice of materials is fundamental to the building's resilience and functionality. Key materials include:
- **Reinforced Concrete**: Offers durability and strength against potential threats.
- **Steel Frame**: Serves as the primary structural element, providing flexibility and resilience.
- **Modular Prefabricated Units**: Facilitate efficient construction and adaptability.
- **Glass Panels**: Allow natural light while considering security needs.
- **Acoustic Insulation**: Helps mitigate noise from external disturbances.

The design employs reinforced walls capable of withstanding blasts, multiple exits for rapid evacuation, and terraced layouts to mitigate direct lines of sight, enhancing safety against potential threats. Open and flexible spatial plans accommodate varying household structures, while secluded walkways promote community interaction while reducing exposure to risk. Additionally, self-sustaining systems for water and energy are integrated to lessen reliance on vulnerable external infrastructure during crises.

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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

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