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Kintsugi-Inspired Community Housing with Sustainable Quarry Stone and Prefabricated Panels

Author:
Christopher Andrew Williamson
Kintsugi-Inspired Community Housing with Sustainable Quarry Stone and Prefabricated Panels

Project in-detail

Incorporating Kintsugi design principles and utilizing locally sourced quarry stone and prefabricated panels, the residential development aims to revitalize the community while promoting sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced quarry stone to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Features prefabricated concrete panels for rapid construction and improved resource efficiency.
03
Incorporates energy-efficient features like solar panels to support renewable energy generation.
04
Embodies Kintsugi design principles, symbolizing beauty in repair and community resilience.
05
Includes communal green spaces designed to foster social interaction and community bonds.

### Project Overview
The revitalization of Saltivka, a district in Kharkiv, Ukraine, focuses on reconstructing damaged buildings and fostering a sustainable community. This initiative aims to restore urban life by emphasizing locality, historical context, and community engagement. It seeks to create a balanced environment that integrates aesthetic considerations with practical living solutions, respecting both the architectural heritage and the needs of current residents.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The design incorporates multi-story residential buildings that blend modern architectural elements with functional living spaces. Each structure features a penthouse level, enhancing livability and providing views of the surroundings. Public spaces, including parks and recreational amenities, are strategically integrated throughout the area to promote social interaction and encourage outdoor activities. The inclusion of native vegetation serves to enhance local biodiversity and support ecological restoration efforts.

### Materials and Sustainability
Durability and ecological responsibility are priorities in the selection of materials. Local stone from Ukrainian quarries is used for its structural integrity and aesthetic value, while prefabricated concrete panels facilitate rapid construction. Insulated stone panels improve energy efficiency, reducing heating costs for residents, and pre-tensioned stone provides structural stability that allows for innovative architectural forms. The integration of solar panels into the design supports clean energy generation for communal spaces, showcasing a commitment to sustainable living practices while honoring traditional craftsmanship through the use of locally sourced materials.

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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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