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Cultural Motifs and Recycled Wood Define Modular Living Spaces in Urban Revitalization

Cultural Motifs and Recycled Wood Define Modular Living Spaces in Urban Revitalization
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Emphasizing cultural motifs through the use of recycled wood, this modular housing initiative transforms urban living by integrating flexible design with communal spaces to enhance community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cultural motifs inspired by traditional Ukrainian embroidery in the façade design.
02
Incorporates recycled materials, emphasizing sustainability in construction practices.
03
Offers modular units that can be reconfigured to adapt to changing community needs.
04
Features public spaces designed with interactive seating and landscaping for community engagement.
05
Integrates natural lighting solutions to enhance energy efficiency and occupant well-being.

## Overview

The revitalization and modernization of residential buildings in Kharkiv, Ukraine, centers on enhancing living conditions and communal spaces while integrating innovative design elements that address contemporary needs. This project aims to improve housing quality in an urban setting where approximately 75% of the population resides in aging structures, ensuring that the new designs respect local heritage.

### Modularity and Flexibility

Central to the design approach is a modular system that permits flexibility in apartment configurations, accommodating a range of residential needs from single-room to four-room layouts. Each modular unit is engineered with specific dimensions, including singular modules at 3.2 m x 5.0 m, stair modules at 1.2 m x 2.1 m, and balcony modules at 3.2 m x 0.3 m. This adaptability allows for diverse living arrangements that foster community interaction while addressing the high density of housing in the region.

### Public Space Integration

The project emphasizes the development of public spaces that encourage community engagement. These areas utilize recycled furniture and ergonomic seating modules that double as planters, creating multifunctional environments. Adaptable game modules provide play areas for children, promoting inclusivity and social connectivity among residents. The innovative design of these communal spaces is intended to transform underutilized urban areas into vibrant hubs that facilitate social interactions.

### Material Selection for Sustainability

Material choices prioritize sustainability and local availability, contributing to the project's structural integrity and aesthetic presentation. Potential materials include recycled wood for modular furniture, concrete for structural durability, and metal elements for railings and supports. The use of glass enhances natural lighting and visual connections between indoor and outdoor areas. This careful selection reinforces a sense of place, aligning with regional architectural traditions while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

### Architectural Expression

Distinctive features of the design incorporate Ukrainian cultural motifs, particularly traditional embroidery patterns integrated into facade panels, creating a visual narrative that honors local history. The structural exoskeleton enhances performance and allows for future adaptability, addressing the evolving needs of urban living. Efficient spatial configurations optimize light and air circulation within apartments, contributing to healthier living environments, while strategic balcony placements encourage outdoor interaction in communal settings.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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