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Prefabricated Straw Panels Shape Sustainable Urban Community Spaces

Author:
Hafsa Burt
Prefabricated Straw Panels Shape Sustainable Urban Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated straw panels for thermal efficiency and community-oriented public spaces, the design fosters social interaction while addressing sustainable urban living needs in Ukraine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated straw panels for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability.
02
Focuses on adaptive reuse of existing concrete structures to minimize waste.
03
Incorporates communal gardens to encourage urban agriculture and social interaction.
04
Features vertical greenery integrated into building façades for improved aesthetics and ecology.
05
Employs modular construction techniques to allow flexibility in unit design and layout.

### Project Overview

"Protsvitayuchny" is located in Ukraine and aims to support post-conflict community regeneration. The design seeks to establish a sustainable neighborhood that prioritizes social interaction, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. It involves the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, complemented by the integration of prefabricated straw panels to improve insulation and overall functionality, thereby aligning with contemporary eco-friendly practices.

### Community Engagement and Resilience

The project's focus on community resilience is reflected in its design elements that encourage social interaction. Public spaces, including communal gardens and chess tables, are strategically placed to foster community bonds and counter isolation. Emphasizing adaptive reuse, the design minimizes waste and enhances the functionality of the existing infrastructure while contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. By embedding these elements within a framework that promotes public engagement, the project aspires to create a cohesive community.

### Material Strategy

The material palette is carefully selected to balance sustainability and performance. Prefabricated straw panels serve a dual role, providing effective insulation and incorporating seamlessly into the existing structures while respecting local architectural traditions. The preservation of concrete elements minimizes construction waste, and the integration of native vegetation supports biodiversity and connects residents with nature. Additionally, the use of local woods for pathways and planters further contributes to the project's sustainability goals. The design incorporates large windows to enhance natural lighting, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the living spaces.

This comprehensive approach to materiality, community interaction, and sustainable practices positions "Protsvitayuchny" as a progressive response to the challenges of rebuilding in a post-conflict landscape.

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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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