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Natural Wood and Stone Integration in a Community-Centric Public Space

Author:
Fernando Donis Hernandez
Natural Wood and Stone Integration in a Community-Centric Public Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive tiered landscaping, this public space in Kharkiv fosters community engagement through accessible pathways and a multifunctional design that enhances civic interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and aesthetics.
02
The design incorporates a sloped public square that maximizes accessibility for all users.
03
Timber colonnades create sheltered walkways, promoting social interaction in the space.
04
Natural vegetation is strategically integrated to improve air quality and biodiversity.
05
Multifunctional areas accommodate civic events, cultural activities, and community gatherings.

### Overview
The Freedom Framework is an architectural project located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It aims to respond to the urban landscape and socio-political context of the region by creating an inclusive public space that fosters community interaction and underscores democratic values. The design integrates urban and architectural elements to establish a cohesive framework that promotes both freedom and adaptability.

### Urban Framework
At the heart of the design is a large, sloped square that transforms public interaction within the city. This expansive plaza features tiered landscaping elements that provide diverse seating areas, while a gentle 8% gradient enhances accessibility for all users. The design encourages pedestrian movement and social engagement, departing from conventional isolated civic spaces. Ramps and wide walking paths facilitate interaction and cultivate a dynamic environment, while tree-lined borders introduce natural elements, fostering a peaceful and regenerative atmosphere within the urban setting.

### Architectural Framework
The vertical expression of the Freedom Framework is characterized by bold timber colonnades that reflect Ukraine's cultural aspirations and resilience. These colonnades serve dual functions; they not only provide structural support but also create flexible spaces for administrative, cultural, and civic activities. The design harmonizes modern architectural principles with heritage, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary structures.

### Materiality
Material choice is critical to the project's aesthetic and functional integrity. The primary materials include timber for the colonnades, which signifies warmth and sustainability; stone for the square's paved surfaces, connecting the design to the natural landscape; and concrete for structural elements, ensuring durability for high traffic areas. This careful selection emphasizes both ecological considerations and local craftsmanship, further aligning the project with the region's cultural identity.

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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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