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Multi-Functional Gabion Cages Enhancing Community Spaces with Sustainable Building Materials

Authors:
Stanislava Isakova, Dominykas Radvilas, Yaroslava Kravets
Multi-Functional Gabion Cages Enhancing Community Spaces with Sustainable Building Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing innovative bio-mass panels and lightweight concrete, this development integrates multi-functional gabion structures into a cohesive urban landscape designed to enhance community interaction and safety.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates bomb shelters as multifunctional community spaces.
02
Utilizes natural bio-mass panels for sustainable construction.
03
Incorporates lightweight concrete for enhanced structural efficiency.
04
Features geometric panel designs for visual diversity.
05
Employs gabion cages made from local recycled materials.

### Overview

The repair and modernization initiative in the Saltivka district of Kharkiv, Ukraine, aims to revitalize the existing panel buildings while respecting local heritage. This project addresses a perceived architectural monotony stemming from the Soviet era, employing a design approach that integrates community insights with modern architectural techniques. The primary intent is to enhance both the visual appeal and functional capacity of the structures while fostering social connectivity among residents.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design introduces revised social spaces that include playgrounds, sports fields, and gardens to promote community engagement and interaction. Carefully considered public areas aim to bridge existing gaps in social connectivity, responding to community feedback regarding the need for functional and inviting environments. Additionally, bomb shelters are seamlessly integrated into the urban layout, serving dual purposes of safety and community gardening, thus extending their relevance beyond emergency use. The landscape design incorporates green routes and pedestrian pathways to improve accessibility, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and informal gatherings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A range of innovative materials underpins the construction of this project, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. Key materials include concrete with expanded polystyrene beads for improved thermal insulation, lightweight concrete for ease of transport, and natural bio-mass panels for ecological benefits. Gabion cages are utilized in landscape features to recycle local materials while enhancing environmental aesthetics. This strategic selection not only contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the buildings but also reflects a commitment to sustainable practices within urban design.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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