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Cross-Laminated Timber and Reclaimed Spolia Forming a Community-Centric Civic Space

Author:
Holden Sho Miles
Cross-Laminated Timber and Reclaimed Spolia Forming a Community-Centric Civic Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and integrating reclaimed spolia from historical structures, the design redefines Freedom Square as a community hub focused on civic engagement and transparency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and warmth.
02
Incorporates reclaimed spolia from the old administration building.
03
Features a skybridge connecting civic functions and the public space.
04
Designed with extensive glass facades to enhance visual transparency.
05
Emphasizes green edges to promote urban biodiversity and sustainability.

### Overview and Intent
"Concentric Connections" is an architectural initiative aimed at redefining the public space of Freedom Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Located in the city’s central district, the project responds to historical concerns regarding civic engagement and administrative inefficiencies. The design seeks to create an accessible and participatory environment that fosters community involvement while respecting the historical context of the area.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design promotes a flexible urban environment that encourages diverse community activities. Freedom Square is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space that accommodates markets, performances, and leisure pursuits. By prioritizing green areas and public amenities, the square is envisioned as a vibrant hub for social interaction. Central to the scheme is the new Regional Administration Building, featuring a façade of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glass that fosters transparency and openness. The building includes public gathering spaces, such as an open forum for dialogue and a skybridge that connects different administrative functions while offering safe passage over vehicular traffic.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a carefully selected range of materials that reflect both functionality and aesthetic quality. Cross-laminated timber serves as a warm structural element, while steel provides modern contrast in the skybridge and towers. Large glass façades enhance visual connectivity and encourage interaction throughout the site. Incorporating reclaimed materials from the former administration building not only anchors the new design within its historical context but also reinforces sustainability efforts. Other environmentally conscious strategies include sourcing local timber, optimizing energy efficiency through passive solar designs, and creating green spaces that promote urban biodiversity. The careful integration of these elements aims to enhance the ecological quality of the urban landscape while supporting community engagement.

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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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