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Thermal Buffer Housing Enhanced With Prefabricated Concrete Panels for Community Living

Authors:
Alejandro Martin Ramo, Miriam Valdivieso Fraile
Thermal Buffer Housing Enhanced With Prefabricated Concrete Panels for Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated concrete panels and a thermal buffer design, the project revitalizes concrete panel housing in Kharkiv, enhancing community living through improved energy efficiency and adaptable space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular expansion design that allows for flexible living arrangements.
02
Incorporates thermal buffer roofs to enhance energy efficiency in cold climates.
03
Enhances existing structures with prefabricated concrete panels for quick installation.
04
Focuses on community engagement through thoughtfully arranged public spaces.
05
Integrates interstitial areas for multifunctional use beneath residential units.

### Overview

Situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, the initiative addresses the upgrading of concrete panel housing in the Saltivka neighborhood, where such structures are prevalent. The objective is to revitalize these aging buildings to improve livability, efficiency, and community interaction. The design framework focuses on enhancing the existing infrastructure while promoting a better quality of life for residents.

### Modular Design System

Central to the architectural approach is the "Box-Type Module," which facilitates the creation of flexible living spaces through a modular system. This innovative design enables both vertical and horizontal expansions of the existing structures, thus accommodating changing spatial requirements without necessitating full-scale demolitions. The integration of prefabricated concrete panels not only maintains structural integrity but also incorporates advanced insulation solutions to enhance energy efficiency. Key structural innovations permit the use of multi-functional spaces beneath the buildings, accessible from public areas, to support communal activities while ensuring safety.

### Community-Centric Enhancements

The project proposes a series of thoughtful modifications to existing façades and communal spaces. The redesign of the rooftops acts as thermal buffers while providing opportunities for communal engagement. The façades blend aesthetic improvements with thermal performance, allowing for personalization with color and modular patterns. Public spaces have been strategically arranged to foster interaction among residents, with designated play and green areas laid out on a grid to promote active lifestyles. Enhanced entry points streamline movement, ensuring smooth transitions between private living units and communal areas, thereby elevating accessibility and encouraging a sense of community.

This initiative reflects a commitment to designing with community needs in mind, creating a dynamic environment that adapts alongside the evolving demographics of the area. The architectural language honors Kharkiv's historical context while introducing modern elements, fostering a visual dialogue between the old and the new.

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

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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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