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Colorful LED Glass Cubes Transforming Community Spaces in a War-Torn Urban Landscape

Authors:
Adriano Marra, Ester Faccilongo, Pierfrancesco Uva
Colorful LED Glass Cubes Transforming Community Spaces in a War-Torn Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

Cubic LED glass units, crafted from locally sourced rubble, redefine community engagement by transforming a war-torn urban landscape into vibrant residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cubic units designed with colorful LED glass panels enhance urban visibility and community interaction.
02
3D printed concrete incorporates local debris, promoting sustainable construction practices.
03
Public spaces are integrated into the design to encourage social engagement and greenery.
04
Auto-dimming technology in glass panels optimizes energy efficiency based on natural light.
05
The design responds to the emotional context of a war-torn area, emphasizing resilience and renewal.

## Project Overview

Located in the Saltivka district, the WoWindows project addresses the aftermath of war by recontextualizing the remnants of damaged buildings into a revitalized urban setting. This design initiative seeks to acknowledge historical contexts while promoting architectural innovation, fostering an environment that supports community resilience and regeneration.

### Spatial Strategy and Form

The architectural arrangement employs a modular system of cubic units, termed "LED glass boxes," which serve as both aesthetic and functional components of the design. The layout features a dynamic skyline that diverges from traditional urban forms, with balconies and terraces integrated within the façade to encourage greenery and enhance user interaction. Public spaces adjacent to residential blocks are meticulously designed to facilitate community engagement, incorporating landscaped areas, communal gardens, and gathering spaces that contribute to the overall livability of the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials utilized in the construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility. Steel is prominently featured in the structural nodes, while 3D printed concrete incorporates rubble from previously destroyed buildings, emphasizing the project's dedication to reusing available resources. The application of LED glass panels, which include transparent and electrochromatic options, not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves energy efficiency. Auto-dimming films further contribute to the project's energy conservation efforts. Additionally, the integration of greenery throughout the development promotes biodiversity and improves air quality, aligning with contemporary environmental objectives.

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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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