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A Prefabricated Response to Urban Displacement

Authors:
Sang Min Cha, Da-seul Kim, Jehyun Kang, Somin Park
A Prefabricated Response to Urban Displacement
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In response to ongoing conflict-related displacement in Kharkiv, the design addresses urgent housing needs within a former Soviet-era dormitory district. Using modular construction methods, it proposes a rapid and adaptable approach to rebuilding while remaining sensitive to the existing urban structure and community dynamics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction accelerates rebuilding in Kharkiv.
02
Reclaimed concrete forms new façade elements.
03
Community spaces are above reinforced bomb shelters.
04
Clear visual cues enhance safety and accessibility.
05
Playgrounds foster social cohesion in urban settings.

Located in a former Soviet-era dormitory district of Kharkiv, Ukraine, the project addresses the urgent demand for housing in a post-conflict context. The strategy employs modular construction methods to accelerate the rebuilding process while maintaining continuity with the existing urban framework. By producing components off-site and assembling them on-site, the approach reduces construction time and minimizes disturbance to the surrounding environment.

Modular Construction and Material Reuse
The design integrates three modular construction techniques to support efficient and flexible implementation. Volumetric modules are prefabricated and rapidly assembled, while panelized systems utilize reclaimed concrete to form new façade elements. These methods not only reduce labor and waste but also reflect a sustainable approach by repurposing available materials. The material palette includes volumetric structural units, recycled concrete façade panels, and local components, reinforcing environmental responsibility and local resource use.

Community Integration and Emergency Readiness
Public and private realms are carefully balanced to encourage resident interaction. Community spaces are located above reinforced bomb shelters, combining civil defense infrastructure with social amenities. Accessibility and wayfinding are supported by clear visual cues, including color-coded surfaces that guide users toward safety zones. Playgrounds and shared spaces are distributed throughout the site to strengthen social cohesion and improve quality of life in a rebuilding urban setting.

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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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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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