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Modular Shelter with Community Spaces at the Border

Authors:
Yang Youngryeol, Nara Han, somang kang, younghee kim
Modular Shelter with Community Spaces at the Border

Project in-detail

Constructed as a modular shelter at the Polish-Ukrainian border, the vertical structure integrates community spaces with fixed memorial areas to provide immediate refuge and support for war refugees.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for rapid adaptation to changing refugee populations.
02
Fixed lower floors serve as memorials and human rights advocacy centers.
03
Strategically located at the Polish-Ukrainian border for immediate access.
04
Vertical orientation optimizes limited urban land use while providing ample shelter.
05
Community spaces foster interaction and support among residents.

The Vertical City of Refugees offers a practical solution to the pressing needs of war refugees through its carefully planned design. Located near the border of Poland and Ukraine, it functions as both a human rights protection center and modular living spaces. The overall concept focuses on adaptability and community support, addressing the hardships faced by those displaced by conflict.

Flexible Design

The layout of the building features fixed lower floors that serve as memorials and centers for human rights. These spaces emphasize the significance of remembrance in areas affected by violence. Above these floors, the middle and upper levels are modular, allowing them to change according to the number of refugees needing shelter. This ability to adjust meets the varying needs of individuals seeking safety.

Strategic Location

The choice of location plays a crucial role in the project’s effectiveness. Positioned in Poland, right next to Ukraine, it directly addresses the urgent demand for shelter in a region experiencing ongoing conflict. This setting not only provides immediate relief but also represents a safe space for those escaping violence. The design encourages a sense of normal life for the refugees while also allowing for the possibility of returning home with less anxiety about displacement.

Vertical Orientation

The design adopts a vertical layout, maximizing the use of limited land in busy urban areas. By building upward, more people can be accommodated without taking up large ground space. This vertical approach symbolizes strength and resilience, portraying hope for individuals facing difficult circumstances.

The structure includes community spaces that promote interaction among residents while offering necessary support services. Each thoughtful design detail reflects a commitment to creating an environment that empowers those affected by war, providing a refuge in challenging times.

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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

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