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Earth-Sheltered Residences with Reinforced Concrete and Blast-Resistant Glazing for Enhanced Community Resilience

Earth-Sheltered Residences with Reinforced Concrete and Blast-Resistant Glazing for Enhanced Community Resilience
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Incorporating reinforced concrete combined with earth sheltering, the design maximizes safety and energy efficiency, creating resilient housing solutions within a community-focused framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates bomb shelter components into residential units for enhanced safety.
02
Employs a 1/2-meter thick earth covering for natural insulation and protection.
03
Utilizes local materials to minimize environmental impact and support the economy.
04
Features modular construction for rapid assembly and adaptability.
05
Incorporates water collection systems to aid in sustainable irrigation practices.

### Overview

The Kharkiv Housing Challenge addresses the urgent socio-political challenges in the Kharkiv region, particularly the need for sustainable living environments in the context of ongoing threats. This design emphasizes modularity, safety, and community integration, aiming to enhance the resilience of urban spaces while promoting an adaptive approach to housing amid uncertainty.

### Modular and Resilient Design Strategy

Central to the design is a multi-functional structure that incorporates essential services while utilizing a modular approach. This allows for scalable implementation, adaptable to various community sizes and urban contexts. The architecture features bomb shelter components with a 1/2-meter thick earth covering, a reinforced concrete shell, and blast-resistant windows and doors to enhance safety. These elements contribute to a rapid construction timeline and facilitate easily modifiable spaces, ensuring a responsive design that meets the diverse needs of residents.

### Sustainable Materiality

The project's commitment to sustainability is evident through various features aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Water collection systems and thermal insulation methods are designed to optimize energy use, critical in Kharkiv's cold climate. The selection of local materials further reduces the carbon footprint, promoting local economies while ensuring structural integrity. A variety of materials—including reinforced concrete, blast-resistant glazing, and stucco with metal lath—are integrated to enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal, thus creating a cohesive built environment that resonates with the region's character.

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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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