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Flexible Living Spaces With Fabric Dividers and Steel Framework for Rapid Housing Solutions

Author:
Zhuang Meng
Flexible Living Spaces With Fabric Dividers and Steel Framework for Rapid Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Modular units with interior fabric partitions and steel framing offer adaptable living solutions tailored for post-conflict housing needs in Ukraine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be installed independently, allowing for rapid deployment.
02
Interior fabric partitions enable flexible reconfiguration of living spaces.
03
Steel framing provides enhanced structural durability in varying conditions.
04
Design emphasizes community interaction through strategically defined public zones.
05
Thermal insulation is prioritized to address the colder climate of Ukraine.

### Project Overview
The S-O-F-T modular housing initiative, designed by Norman Foster, responds to the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in the North Saltivka area of Kharkiv, Ukraine, a region significantly affected by conflict. Aimed at providing a quick and adaptable response to housing shortages, the design aligns with the Foundation Kharkiv Housing Challenge's goal of creating sustainable living environments that cater to the local community’s needs.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout features a structured grid arrangement that maximizes spatial efficiency while maintaining clear distinctions between public and private areas. Each modular unit, approximately 32.6 m² in size, accommodates both single and double occupancy, promoting a versatile living arrangement. This configuration supports fluid movement between units, fostering communal interaction and optimizing the overall living experience in a densely populated area.

### Materiality and Thermal Performance
Materials selected for S-O-F-T focus on functionality, durability, and energy efficiency. Steel frames provide robust structural support, while masonry panels enhance thermal insulation, crucial for the region's colder climate. The inclusion of foam insulation minimizes heat transfer, further contributing to energy conservation. Soft fabric curtains act as adaptable spatial dividers, allowing residents to modify living spaces according to their needs, thereby promoting both privacy and community engagement. Panoramic windows facilitate natural light entry, enhancing both the aesthetic and emotional quality of the interior environments.

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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
competition now

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