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Climbing Walls and Expanded Metal Mesh Intertwined Within Durable Concrete Housing Solutions

Authors:
Chi-ho Chen, Yun-chen Yang, Tang Sun Hong
Climbing Walls and Expanded Metal Mesh Intertwined Within Durable Concrete Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating climbing walls and expanded metal mesh into a concrete structure, this design transforms the concept of residential living in Kharkiv, creating a multifunctional space that invites community engagement and play.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates climbing walls into the building façade as part of the residential experience.
02
Utilizes expanded metal mesh for safety in play areas while enhancing visual transparency.
03
Features modular spaces that adapt to changing community needs and activities.
04
Combines durable concrete with vibrant colors to create a visually engaging environment.
05
Emphasizes threshold spaces that encourage social interaction among residents.

### Overview

Located in Kharkiv's North Saltivka neighborhood, the "Monumental Playground, Playable Monument" project represents a response to the post-war reconstruction of the area. The design integrates residential elements with spaces for play and community engagement, ultimately turning the site into a multifunctional space that meets housing demands while acknowledging the region's historical context of conflict. This dual function aims to repurpose the remnants of war into opportunities for positive communal experiences.

### Conceptual Framework

**Memory and Interaction:** The design concept revolves around the idea of the "playable monument," serving as a living memorial that allows residents to engage with their history. This approach promotes resilience and collective memory, encouraging community interaction through recreational activities that are interwoven with the site's historical narrative.

**Community and Functionality:** By prioritizing user experience, the architecture features play areas that cater to residents of all ages. These spaces are crafted to support everyday living while fostering social interactions, thereby enhancing community bonds. The incorporation of threshold spaces facilitates transitions between public and private areas, inviting a mix of solitary and communal use.

### Material Choice and Architectural Features

The project's exterior showcases a varied façade that integrates multiple materials, contributing to an engaging environment:

- **Adaptive Play Structures:** Features such as climbing walls incorporated into the façade establish a dynamic relationship between recreation and the building's architecture, promoting physical engagement and exploration.
- **Use of Vivid Textures:** The design employs a palette of bright colors and varied textures, encouraging interaction and creating a lively visual identity that signifies community vibrancy.
- **Outdoor Gathering Areas:** Emphasizing open spaces supports social interactions essential for building community cohesion.

**Materials Utilized:**
1. **Concrete:** Provides structural strength and durability.
2. **Expanded Metal Mesh:** Ensures safety in climbing applications while maintaining visibility.
3. **Wood:** Offers warmth and organic qualities for temporary structures.
4. **Textiles (Tensile Membrane and Cloth):** Enhance flexibility in functionality and provide shading.

### Innovative Spatial Solutions

The project employs a modular approach to design, enabling adaptability and flexibility in use:

- **Vertical Play Areas:** Features like the climbable façade and vertical playground encourage physical activity and social interaction.
- **Recreational Focused Zones:** Spaces utilizing trampolines and soft flooring promote leisure and playful engagement among users.

In addressing the social dynamics of contemporary residential architecture, the design aims to redefine public and private space through elements that encourage community-oriented interactions. Features such as transitional zones facilitate engagement, allowing residents to interact meaningfully within the architectural framework.

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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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