Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

A Residential Retrofit with Emergency Shelter Access

Authors:
Byungchan Ahn, Jimin Park
A Residential Retrofit with Emergency Shelter Access

Project in-detail

The design responds to the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction by focusing on the rehabilitation of existing concrete panel housing. The approach prioritizes structural restoration, spatial adaptability, and resident safety, while aiming to improve daily living conditions through thoughtful integration of private and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to diverse household needs.
02
Ground-floor apartments include private gardens for outdoor living.
03
Public spaces integrated within residential buildings promote community interaction.
04
Emergency pathways provide quick access to shelters for residents.
05
Reinforced concrete structures enhance durability and resilience against impacts.

Post-Conflict Housing Renewal focuses on the restoration and improvement of existing concrete panel housing blocks in Kharkiv, Ukraine—a city heavily affected by recent conflict. The design aims to rehabilitate damaged structures while enhancing quality of life through adaptable modular interventions and the integration of community-focused public spaces. Attention is given to both immediate recovery needs and the long-term well-being of residents.

Modular Strategy and Spatial Adaptation
A modular system is introduced to repair and upgrade the existing housing framework efficiently. This system allows for multiple unit configurations to accommodate diverse household types. Ground-floor units feature private gardens to provide accessible outdoor space, while upper floors incorporate alternating solid and open railings to balance privacy, ventilation, and natural light. Integrated public and retail spaces are positioned within residential blocks to support social interaction and ensure access to essential services.

Material Approach and Emergency Integration
Reinforced concrete remains the primary structural material, ensuring durability and stability. Polycarbonate window replacements increase impact resistance, and aluminum railings offer strength with reduced structural load. Facade tiles are selected for both visual consistency and material longevity. Safety is addressed through the inclusion of underground pathways that provide direct access to shelters, embedding emergency preparedness into daily infrastructure while maintaining functionality and accessibility for residents.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy