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Elevated Living Spaces Incorporating Charred Wood and Concrete for Urban Resilience

Author:
Jaouen Solen
Elevated Living Spaces Incorporating Charred Wood and Concrete for Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

Elevated living spaces constructed from concrete and charred wood serve as both residential units and emergency shelters, addressing urban resilience in Kharkiv's revitalized housing landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures integrate safety features as emergency shelters alongside residential units.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing aesthetic depth.
03
Modular construction methods allow for expedited building processes and reduced material waste.
04
Community-focused design incorporates shared balconies and green areas for social interaction.
05
Thermal insulation standards align with European HQE framework for energy efficiency.

### Overview

The rehabilitation project in Block 86 of the Saltivka district in Kharkiv, Ukraine, addresses the need for revitalization of aging concrete panel housing. This initiative seeks to confront both physical and socio-economic challenges by implementing innovative urban renewal strategies that prioritize sustainability, community interaction, and safety. The design integrates modular construction techniques, allowing for efficient assembly and minimal disruption to current residents.

### Modular System and Community Engagement

Central to the design is the use of a modular system that enables prefabrication of building components off-site, which are then installed on-site to expedite construction. This approach minimizes the impact on existing residents while providing a quicker transition to improved living conditions. The project also emphasizes social cohesion by incorporating communal spaces such as shared balconies and landscaped areas that encourage interaction among neighbors, fostering a sense of community ownership and engagement.

### Safety and Sustainability Features

The design accommodates modern safety requirements by integrating bomb shelters within elevated building structures, which serve dual purposes as protective spaces during emergencies. Material selections prioritize both environmental considerations and durability. The use of wood for aesthetic features, double-glazed windows for enhanced insulation, and concrete for structural integrity is intended to create a resilient and inviting living environment. Additionally, the project promotes sustainability through energy-efficient designs, such as green roofs and gardens, aligning with contemporary sustainable development goals. Building specifications adhere to stringent thermal regulations to optimize energy performance.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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