Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

A Prefabricated Response to Urban Displacement

Authors:
Sang Min Cha, Da-seul Kim, Jehyun Kang, Somin Park
A Prefabricated Response to Urban Displacement

Project in-detail

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
Reclaimed concrete is used for facade panels, highlighting sustainable building practices.
02
Community hubs are integrated above bomb shelters, serving dual purposes.
03
Volumetric modular construction allows for rapid assembly and minimal disruption.
04
Color-coded pathways guide residents to emergency shelters, enhancing safety.
05
The design fosters social interaction while addressing pressing housing needs.

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy