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Recycled Concrete and Flexible Modularity in a Sustainable Housing Community

Author:
Lau Chee Meng
Recycled Concrete and Flexible Modularity in a Sustainable Housing Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled concrete and a modular design approach, this housing community maximizes adaptability and sustainability while fostering social interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled concrete serves as the primary structural material, minimizing environmental impact.
02
Modular units allow for flexible reconfiguration to meet diverse resident needs.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural performance while promoting sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior with aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrated green spaces support community interaction and enhance biodiversity.
This architectural project addresses housing needs in Kharkiv, Ukraine, focusing on a modular design that emphasizes adaptability, sustainability, and community engagement. The intent is to create a residential environment that supports diverse family structures and promotes social interaction. The design embodies a response to the challenges faced by urban areas in post-conflict scenarios, merging modern architectural practices with the need for practical living solutions.

The project integrates modular housing units that allow varying configurations to suit different resident requirements. These units are designed to be reconfigurable, reflecting a current trend in architecture that prioritizes flexibility. The concept of modularity ensures that different family sizes can be accommodated within a single framework, enhancing the usability of residential spaces over time.

Materiality is an essential aspect of this project. The selection of recycled concrete, wood, steel, and glass demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Recycled concrete forms the structural backbone, minimizing waste and utilizing existing materials to reduce environmental impact. Wood is incorporated into both interior finishes and facades, providing warmth and a connection to nature. Steel lends durability to the structural components, while glass is used extensively to facilitate natural light penetration, creating open and inviting living spaces.

The design also emphasizes public and communal spaces within the residential framework. These areas include parks, green spaces, and integrated commercial zones, all designed to foster interaction among residents. Such public spaces are vital for community building, as they encourage social cohesion and enhance the overall livability of the area. Furthermore, the inclusion of transit facilities offers essential accessibility, improving mobility and connectivity within the neighborhood.

A notable feature of this project is its commitment to reusing construction materials. This focus on recycling and adaptive reuse not only addresses waste concerns but also reinforces a sustainable building ethos. By incorporating practices that promote environmental responsibility, the project aims to set a precedent for future architectural developments in similar contexts.

The overall aesthetic of the project merges contemporary minimalism with contextual sensitivity, addressing both functionality and visual appeal. The arrangement of buildings creates sightlines and incorporates landscaping that preserves existing greenery, respecting the natural environment while enhancing the urban fabric.

In summary, this architectural design project is a comprehensive solution to housing challenges in Kharkiv, characterized by its modularity, sustainability, and community orientation. For further insights into the project's architectural plans, sections, and design approaches, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the project to gain a deeper understanding of its innovative concepts and effective solutions.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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