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Modular Shelter with Community Focus Near Ukrainian Border

Authors:
Yang Youngryeol, Nara Han, somang kang, younghee kim
Modular Shelter with Community Focus Near Ukrainian Border

Project in-detail

A vertical structure composed of modular units provides a safe haven for refugees near the Ukrainian border, emphasizing community and adaptability amid ongoing conflict.
5 key facts about this project
01
A focus on modular construction allows for rapid assembly and reconfiguration based on need.
02
The lower floors provide a stable base with community spaces for social interaction.
03
The design prioritizes safety and psychological well-being for displaced individuals.
04
Located near the Ukrainian border, enhancing access for those fleeing conflict.
05
The structure serves a dual purpose, transitioning from shelter to memorial after the crisis.

The design addresses the urgent need for refugee accommodation amid ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and various African regions. Located in Poland, close to the Ukrainian border, the structure acts as a human rights protection center. It serves as both a temporary shelter for those fleeing violence and a memorial space after hostilities end. Its vertical design reflects the urgency of the situation while promoting community and recovery.

Design Framework

The building features a vertical form that responds to the necessity for refuge in unstable environments. It includes fixed lower levels that provide a sense of stability and communal function. Above these, modular upper sections allow flexibility in response to changing needs. This combination ensures that the facility can adapt to serve different roles as the situation evolves.

Safety and Well-Being

The design focuses on the safety of its occupants, addressing both physical and psychological threats. The lower floors create a secure base for residents and include accessible communal spaces that encourage social interaction. The upper modular components enhance mobility and ease of navigation, contributing to a sense of comfort and normalcy for individuals facing displacement.

Sustainability and Functionality

Although specific materials are not mentioned in the presentation, the concept implies a dedication to sustainability and efficiency in construction. The modular design allows for quick assembly and optimal resource use. This method reflects a commitment to creating functional spaces that respond to the pressing needs of displaced individuals.

The building's façade includes elements that express its purpose, creating a visual story of resilience through design. The blend of fixed and modular sections contributes to a distinct silhouette, illustrating the duality of providing shelter and honoring those impacted by conflict.

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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
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