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Prefabricated Concrete and Steel Frameworks Integrating Community Spaces Amidst Historical Context

Author:
Noemie St-laurent
Prefabricated Concrete and Steel Frameworks Integrating Community Spaces Amidst Historical Context

Project in-detail

Integrating prefabricated concrete panels and steel elements, the design revitalizes a historically significant area by creating flexible community spaces that foster social interaction and resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prefabricated modular components allow for rapid assembly and flexibility in design.
02
Integration of bomb shelters within public spaces addresses historical context and community safety.
03
Natural lighting is maximized through expansive glass elements in communal areas.
04
Connection to the urban environment emphasizes pathways that enhance accessibility and social interaction.
05
Use of durable materials ensures long-term resilience and low maintenance needs.

### Overview
Situated in the Saltivka North region, an area with significant historical and socio-political context, the U-Krate initiative aims to revitalize post-war architectural environments through a modular restructuring of existing buildings. The project is designed to respond to the evolving needs of the community while respectfully integrating modernity with historical elements. This report examines the project's conceptual framework, spatial strategies, and material choices, focusing on how these aspects contribute to both sustainability and community engagement.

### Conceptual Framework
The U-Krate design is centered around the creation of adaptable living environments, utilizing prefabricated building components that enable flexible responses to changing social dynamics. Emphasis is placed on the adaptation and reuse of existing structures, merging contemporary design with historical preservation. This approach honors the heritage of the region, ensuring that renovations enhance rather than overshadow the established identity of Saltivka. Furthermore, local community involvement plays a crucial role in the process, resulting in open spaces designed for social interaction and fostering connections among residents.

### Spatial Strategy
The project showcases multiple spatial configurations to illustrate the potential of the U-Krate system. Options include complete rebuilds that transform existing buildings into modern residences, partial demolitions that optimize usability and connectivity, and enhancement scenarios that upgrade existing elements for improved aesthetics and functionality. Each configuration is intended to reflect the community's aspirations while ensuring that the architecture serves as a cohesive part of the urban fabric.

### Materiality and Environmental Responsiveness
The architectural framework integrates durable materials such as reinforced concrete panels and steel structures, providing both stability and longevity. Extensive use of glass windows enhances natural lighting, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while private balconies offer residents personal outdoor areas. The design also considers historical context through the thoughtful incorporation of bomb shelters in public spaces, promoting safety and community use. This approach aims to connect the past with the present, reinforcing the architectural narrative of the area while addressing contemporary community needs.

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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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