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

Authors:
Olga Chemerys, Lia Oana Gafita, Tomás Alberto Saraiva Da Silva Delgado Dos Reis
Cultural Motifs and Recycled Wood Define Modular Living Spaces in Urban Revitalization

Project in-detail

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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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
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