Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reinforced Concrete Shelters and Bio-Glass Panels Enhance Sustainable Living in Urban Design

Authors:
Oleksandr Fil, Olesia Dovhal, Hlib Semiakin, Liliia Kasianenko
Reinforced Concrete Shelters and Bio-Glass Panels Enhance Sustainable Living in Urban Design

Project in-detail

Reinforced concrete shelter capsules and repurposed Bio-glass panels shape a modern, sustainable residential environment designed to enhance energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reinforced concrete capsules provide safe shelter for residents during emergencies.
02
Repurposed Bio-glass panels enhance balcony aesthetics and functionality.
03
The facade features two distinct panel types for flexibility in adaptation.
04
Mineral wool insulation significantly improves thermal efficiency.
05
Dismantled concrete panels are creatively used for landscaping features.

The project for the modernization of panel residential buildings is located in North Saltivka, specifically at 90 Natalii Uzhvii Street. It aims to improve existing residential structures to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly living spaces. The design concept focuses on enhancing resident comfort while maintaining architectural integrity. By integrating modern solutions, the project responds effectively to current living standards.

Facade System

A key feature of the design is the modular facade system. This allows the existing panels to be easily removed and reused, making it adaptable to various building types. This approach supports sustainability by reducing waste and simplifying renovations. The facade consists of two types of panels, featuring a core made of 100 mm thick reinforced concrete. This material provides the necessary strength and durability.

Insulation and Finishes

Thermal performance is essential, and the design incorporates 100 mm of mineral wool insulation within the facade. This helps achieve significant energy savings by reducing the need for heating. The exterior will be finished with mineral plaster, chosen for its durability and visual appeal. Windows will be installed using external mounting systems, which permit larger openings and increase the amount of natural light entering the living spaces.

Safety Features

Attention to safety is paramount in the design. Reinforced concrete shelter capsules are incorporated to create safe areas for residents during emergencies. These capsules are designed to minimize risks from falling debris and other hazards, in line with modern safety standards. This feature reflects a thoughtful consideration of resident well-being.

Landscaping and Material Reuse

The project also encourages the reuse of materials. Broken glass from damaged windows will be repurposed into Bio-glass panels for balcony enclosures, adding both functionality and aesthetic value. Moreover, dismantled concrete panels will find new life in landscaping, creating walkways and play areas for children. This not only enhances outdoor spaces but also fosters a sense of community among residents.

The design integrates these elements to revitalize urban living while respecting the historical context of the buildings. With careful planning and execution, the project aims to offer a balanced environment that meets the needs of contemporary residents.

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