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Integrated Gabion Walls and Lightweight Shells in Adaptable Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Ruangwit Veerapong, Sirawich Sirichaipan, Phiriyawat Lunsucheep, Laphadrada Pandee
Integrated Gabion Walls and Lightweight Shells in Adaptable Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing adaptable modular units paired with integrated gabion walls and lightweight concrete shells, the design addresses urban housing needs by creating flexible living spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes integrated gabion walls that incorporate local materials for enhanced durability and environmental integration.
02
Features lightweight concrete shells designed for rapid assembly and disassembly, promoting adaptability.
03
Incorporates modular housing units that can be reconfigured based on community needs and demographics.
04
Prioritizes communal spaces through strategic landscaping and shared terraces to foster social interaction.
05
Emphasizes vertical circulation through dual circulation paths, improving accessibility throughout the complex.

### Overview
The U.F.O.: Urban Flexible Offset in Kharkiv, Ukraine, aims to revitalize community living through innovative housing solutions. This project addresses the necessity for adaptable and secure urban environments in areas requiring restoration. It promotes a modular approach that integrates new structures with existing buildings to respond effectively to varying housing demands within urban contexts.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
The project is organized into distinct blocks, each serving specific functions such as living units, communal spaces, and commercial areas. Block 96 exemplifies a significant enhancement in both aesthetics and functionality with the addition of modular structures that align with existing frameworks. The design encourages community interaction by strategically integrating public spaces, such as shared terraces and communal gardens, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Modular systems allow for reconfiguration in response to evolving community needs, enhancing resilience against future urban challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The architectural design employs a selective material palette that enhances flexibility and functionality. Key components include steel frame systems, both light and heavy duty, and concrete shells, which provide durability and lightweight solutions for various applications. The incorporation of folded metal sheets facilitates adjustable partitions, reinforcing modularity. Sustainability is emphasized through the use of locally sourced debris to create gabion walls, minimizing waste and supporting eco-friendly building practices. This material approach reflects a commitment to environmental considerations while promoting structural resilience in urban settings.

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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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