Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Inflatable Structures with Recycled Concrete for Adaptive Community Spaces

Authors:
Chiun-heng Chou, Yan Wang, Kefei Yan
Inflatable Structures with Recycled Concrete for Adaptive Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing inflatable structures made from ETFE and incorporating recycled concrete, the design fosters community resilience while providing adaptable spaces for social interaction and recovery in a post-conflict environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes inflatable ETFE structures for rapid deployment and flexibility.
02
Incorporates recycled concrete from existing site materials to minimize waste.
03
Features a modular design that adapts to varying community needs and conditions.
04
Connects multiple functional spaces through elevated pathways for enhanced accessibility.
05
Emphasizes social interaction by creating open communal areas within the structure.

## Overview

"Hope in the Air" is a residential architectural project located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, designed as a response to the challenges of urban recovery following the war. The proposal utilizes inflatable structures and modular elements to address the urgent need for resilience and adaptability in the rebuilding process. This design aims to restore not just the physical environment but also community interaction within an enhanced urban context.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Resilience

The design features a series of hexagonally shaped inflatable domes interconnected by elevated pathways, facilitating a network of functional spaces. Each dome is designated for specific uses, including markets, recreational areas, and communal gathering spots, thereby fostering social interaction. The modular nature of the inflatable system allows it to be tailored to various damage levels and site conditions, ensuring that it effectively meets the diverse needs of the community while enhancing overall connectivity.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is integral to the project's functionality and sustainability goals. Key materials include ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) for its lightweight and insulating properties, recycled concrete to minimize environmental impact, and high- and low-pressure inflatable materials designed for rapid deployment. This combination not only ensures durability and ease of assembly but also supports environmental responsibility by utilizing local resources and reducing waste during the recovery process. Moreover, the layered composite constructions enhance both structural integrity and energy efficiency, contributing to a more durable urban environment.

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