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Modular Community Spaces Enhanced by Concrete, Laminated Steel, and Natural Wood Integration

Authors:
Alex Xavier Sandoval Garcia, Juan Orellano, Adrian Jesus Vidal Toledo
Modular Community Spaces Enhanced by Concrete, Laminated Steel, and Natural Wood Integration

Project in-detail

Employing a modular design that integrates concrete, laminated steel, and natural wood, this community-driven development enhances urban living through adaptable spaces and communal areas tailored for social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs extensive use of modular design to enhance adaptability for diverse community needs.
02
Integrates concrete and laminated steel for structural resilience alongside natural materials.
03
Features communal gardens that promote social interaction and outdoor engagement.
04
Incorporates rock wool insulation for improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
Includes a multifunctional bunker space for emergency use and community gatherings.

### Project Overview
Situated in the Saltivka district of Kharkiv, this design initiative focuses on revitalizing existing residential structures while implementing essential technical upgrades. The objective is to enhance living conditions for residents and foster communal spaces that encourage interaction and engagement. The approach responds to the unfinished urban fabric of Saltivka, prioritizing recovery and rehabilitation to ensure the success of this development.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout incorporates a gallery space that extends along the periphery of each residential unit, creating a transitional zone between indoor and outdoor environments. This design feature significantly enhances the utility and aesthetic quality of living spaces. The interior configurations are thoughtfully arranged to maximize natural lighting and ventilation, adapting to diverse family needs through flexible open and private areas.

### Material and Thermal Performance
A diverse selection of materials is employed to balance structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary material for walls and slabs, offering durability, while laminated steel profiles provide structural support and design versatility. Interior elements utilize wood for its thermal properties, contributing warmth to living spaces. The project incorporates advanced thermal insulation techniques, including a 15 cm rock wool system and strategic window placement for natural ventilation. These features collectively enhance energy efficiency and promote healthier living environments.

### Community Integration
The design emphasizes the creation of inclusive public spaces, including sheltered areas between blocks that provide refuge during inclement weather and promote social engagement. The architectural strategy employs a modular approach, allowing for customization based on community needs while maintaining design coherence. A designated bunker space is integrated for emergencies, equipped with amenities that further support community activities and gatherings.

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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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