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Subterranean Safety Shelters with Prefabricated Modules and Green Roofs in Urban Revitalization

Author:
Maciej Jakub Zawadzki
Subterranean Safety Shelters with Prefabricated Modules and Green Roofs in Urban Revitalization

Project in-detail

Incorporating underground shelters and prefabricated modules, this urban revitalization initiative in Kharkiv employs sustainable materials and green roofs to create a safe, functional community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates dual-purpose underground shelters that enhance safety while serving as usable public spaces.
02
Utilizes prefabricated modular construction to streamline assembly and reduce construction time.
03
Features green roofs designed for energy efficiency and stormwater management.
04
Integrates extensive pedestrian pathways to promote community engagement and accessibility.
05
Adapts existing structures to balance historical context with modern safety and functionality.

## Architectural Design Project in Kharkiv

### Overview of the Project Context
Located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the reconstruction initiative for the Saltivka district addresses the challenges of urban decay and the impacts of conflict. The primary intent is to enhance the urban fabric through resilient and sustainable design solutions that improve functionality, safety, and visual coherence. This effort involves a comprehensive strategy that integrates infrastructure, public space, and community engagement to facilitate recovery and revitalization.

### Strategic Spatial Planning
The design emphasizes the interplay between new construction and the adaptation of existing structures, focusing on the following elements:
- **Multi-functional Public Spaces:** The introduction of a community center, conference areas, and recreational zones aims to cater to a diverse set of community needs.
- **Integrated Emergency Infrastructure:** The design incorporates underground shelters that serve both as emergency exits and public spaces, increasing overall safety while promoting community interaction.

The layout prioritizes pedestrian access and connectivity, ensuring that navigability and engagement are central to the urban experience. This strategic arrangement is further enhanced by environmental considerations such as tactile landscaping, which seeks to improve outdoor connectivity and support local biodiversity.

### Material and Construction Approach
A commitment to sustainability influences the material selection and construction methods, featuring:
- **Reinforced Concrete:** This material ensures structural integrity while allowing for design flexibility in various building forms.
- **Prefabricated Modules:** These components facilitate energy efficiency and expedite the construction process by minimizing on-site labor requirements.
- **Green Roof Systems:** These roofs not only mitigate stormwater runoff but also contribute to energy generation and ecological resilience.

The adaptation of existing structures within the project preserves historical context while promoting environmentally responsible practices. Strategies such as rooftop energy systems further embody a pragmatic approach toward resource conservation and urban regeneration.

### Innovative Features
Distinctive aspects of the project include:
- **Integration of Security Features:** The inclusion of bomb shelters within residential and communal buildings enhances the design's focus on urban safety in response to contemporary challenges.
- **Provisions for Accessibility:** Public spaces and emergency facilities are systematically designed for ease of access, promoting inclusivity in community planning.
- **Collaboration with Local Stakeholders:** Engagement with the community provides crucial insights, supporting a design that reflects local needs and values.

This design initiative represents a significant advancement in integrating contemporary architectural practices with urgent urban recovery needs, setting a benchmark for addressing similar challenges in other cities facing post-conflict situations.

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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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