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Sheltering Community Spaces with Reclaimed Steel and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Olga Daria Syrnyk, Martyna Magdalena Idasiak, Wiktoria Chocianowska
Sheltering Community Spaces with Reclaimed Steel and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing a material bank for reclaimed steel and cross-laminated timber panels, the design effectively integrates safety cores within a community framework to foster resilience and accessibility in urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a material bank that promotes the reclamation of building materials for community use.
02
Incorporates safety cores designed as secure shelters during emergencies.
03
Features operable facades allowing for customizable light and privacy control.
04
Utilizes recycled plastics in the facade for sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates public spaces that serve multiple functions, enhancing community engagement.

### Overview
The Saltivka Hromada Core Project is located in the Saltivka neighborhood of Kharkiv, Ukraine. It is designed to address current socio-political challenges and emphasizes urban resilience in the face of conflict. The intent is to create a complete neighborhood that prioritizes multi-functionality, sustainability, and safety, fostering communal living while ensuring essential services are easily accessible.

### Spatial Organization and Safety Mechanisms
The design integrates interconnected spaces that break down traditional barriers between residential areas and public amenities. The project follows a 15-minute city model, promoting walkability and reducing reliance on transportation. Safety is a significant consideration, with designated safety cores within residential buildings that serve as temporary shelters during emergencies. This dual-purpose approach not only enhances safety but also encourages community interaction by providing secure spaces conducive to social connections.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project's material selection underscores a commitment to ecological sustainability and resilience. Key materials include recycled steel for structural supports, recycled plastics for facade panels, ceramic panels for aesthetics and insulation, and hemp insulation for energy efficiency. Additionally, a material bank integrated near the tram depot facilitates the temporary storage and redistribution of resources, supporting circular economy practices. Public spaces designed for social gatherings, creativity, and entrepreneurship evolve over time, reflecting community needs while contributing to environmental balance.

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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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