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Cross-Laminated Timber Reinforced Community Hub With Built-In Bomb Shelter

Authors:
Julio Joaquín Viejo Romero Mazariegos, Juan Ignacio Urdaneta
Cross-Laminated Timber Reinforced Community Hub With Built-In Bomb Shelter

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and a bomb shelter for safety, this community-oriented facility in Kharkov offers a multifunctional living space that fosters resilience and connectivity among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber is used as the primary structural material, enhancing sustainability and reducing weight.
02
The facility incorporates a dedicated bomb shelter in its design, addressing safety concerns in the region.
03
Charred wooden shingles are employed for weather resistance and a distinct aesthetic appeal.
04
The layout promotes community interaction by allocating significant space for co-working areas.
05
Triple glazing is utilized for windows to maximize thermal efficiency and natural light throughout the building.

### Overview

Located in the Saltivka district of Kharkov, Ukraine, Block 82 is a retrofit initiative aimed at revitalizing an apartment building complex significantly affected by ongoing conflict. The design addresses current living conditions while respecting the historical context of the structure. The complex serves both as a residential area and a community hub, incorporating co-working spaces intended to foster social interaction among residents.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

Block 82 employs a dual-core design strategy that preserves the original building envelope while integrating a new wooden structure to enhance safety and functionality. The design retains the original height of the building, maintaining its historical presence while allowing for contemporary adaptations. The architectural layout features 34 double-bedroom and 34 single-bedroom apartments, designed to promote connectivity and shared experiences among residents. The ground floor has been repurposed to include co-working spaces, creating an environment that supports professional activities and community engagement amid external challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project utilizes a carefully selected array of construction materials that prioritize structural integrity and environmental resilience. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) provides a lightweight yet robust framework for the new components, while fiber cement cladding ensures durability and low maintenance. Triple-glazed windows are installed to maximize natural light and improve thermal insulation, complemented by XPS insulation in walls and roofing for superior thermal performance. Reinforced concrete is also employed to secure critical areas, such as foundations and basements, ensuring long-term stability. The emphasis on natural materials and energy efficiency highlights a commitment to sustainability within the design.

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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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