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Modular Housing with Concrete Structure and Integrated Air Raid Shelter in a Community-Focused Design

Authors:
Mina Fujiwara, Hyeoksoo Cho
Modular Housing with Concrete Structure and Integrated Air Raid Shelter in a Community-Focused Design

Project in-detail

Combining modular units with a robust concrete structure and integrated air raid shelter, this design prioritizes community engagement and safety in a versatile housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible reconfiguration based on resident needs.
02
Integrated air raid shelter enhances safety and community solidarity.
03
Concrete construction provides durability in a volatile urban context.
04
Shared green spaces promote ecological sustainability and community interaction.
05
Rooftop gardens contribute to improved air quality and biodiversity.
The Meta(bo-x) project is an architectural endeavor situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine, designed to address the evolving housing needs in a region marked by sociopolitical challenges. This project emphasizes modularity and adaptability, envisioning a living environment that shifts to accommodate diverse familial structures and societal demands. The architecture combines the principles of communal living with individual privacy, resulting in a cohesive yet varied residential experience.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

At the core of the Meta(bo-x) project is a modular housing system where individual units, or "boxes," can be rearranged and combined according to the needs of residents. This flexibility enables inhabitants to customize their living spaces over time. The design incorporates interconnected communal areas, promoting social interaction while also providing private living quarters. This duality of space encapsulates the architectural vision of fostering community cohesion amidst fluctuating urban dynamics.

The project includes essential facilities such as an air raid shelter, ensuring safety during emergencies. This feature not only addresses immediate security concerns but also integrates into the daily life of the community, reinforcing collective resilience. Additionally, the incorporation of green spaces, such as rooftop gardens and landscaped areas, enhances environmental quality and provides residents with recreational options.

Innovative Design Approaches and Materiality

Distinctive to the Meta(bo-x) project is its use of contemporary materials and innovative design strategies. The primary construction material is concrete, providing structural integrity and durability, which is crucial in a region sensitive to external threats. This is complemented by aluminum elements that contribute to a modern aesthetic while maintaining lightweight properties. Glass facets are strategically employed in windows and balustrades, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and promoting visual connectivity with the surrounding urban landscape.

Unique to this design is the focus on modular adaptability, allowing the housing units to change configuration based on shifting demographic requirements. Such an approach to architecture acknowledges the transient nature of urban life, ensuring that the living environment remains relevant and functional. Furthermore, the design emphasizes communal amenities, creating spaces designed for social exchange, which diverges from conventional housing developments that often prioritize solitude over interaction.

Sustainability and Community-Centric Design

The Meta(bo-x) project reflects a commitment to sustainability through its architectural choices. The integration of green roofs and landscaped areas contributes to biodiversity while offering residents opportunities for gardening and leisure. The layout is designed to encourage engagement and support a vibrant community atmosphere, where residents can connect, share resources, and participate in collective activities.

This architectural approach stands in contrast to the typical housing models found in urban environments, which often neglect the social fabric that binds communities together. By prioritizing communal living spaces alongside individual units, the project advocates for a more holistic understanding of urban housing solutions.

For a deeper exploration of the Meta(bo-x) project, interested readers should review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas and spatial dynamics at play. The unique design elements presented in this project provide valuable insights into contemporary architectural practices that respond to both environmental and social imperatives.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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