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Trapezoidal Shelter Constructed with Mortise and Tenon Joints Using Recycled Wood Panels

Authors:
Meng-syun Sung, Shu Wen Tsai
Trapezoidal Shelter Constructed with Mortise and Tenon Joints Using Recycled Wood Panels

Project in-detail

Built using a mortise and tenon joint system and trapezoidal wood panels, this modular housing solution offers adaptable, sustainable living spaces tailored for those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a mortise and tenon joint system for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Trapezoidal design allows for versatile spatial configurations and efficient use of space.
03
Includes external balcony features for increased livability in temporary housing.
04
Utilizes recycled materials to minimize environmental impact and support sustainability.
05
Designed for rapid assembly, enabling quick deployment in response to housing needs.

The Kharkiv Module House is an architectural project designed to address the urgent housing needs stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This modular housing solution is specifically constructed to provide temporary yet sustainable living spaces, reflecting a thoughtful response to an immediate humanitarian crisis. The project emphasizes functionality, adaptability, and user engagement through its innovative design.

Modular housing units are core to the Kharkiv Module House project. Each unit is designed to be assembled rapidly, utilizing a mortise and tenon joint system that allows for straightforward construction without the need for specialized skills. The units are trapezoidal in shape, diverging from traditional rectangular forms, which enhances their versatility in positioning and assembly. This modularity ensures scalability and enables easy transport, making the housing solution appropriate for various sites and conditions.

The project's material palette is selected for sustainability and efficiency. The primary materials used include wood, concrete, steel, and glass. Wood provides necessary insulation and contributes to a warm aesthetic, while concrete serves as a durable foundation material. Steel reinforcements enhance structural integrity, and glass is used for windows to maximize natural light within the living spaces. This combination of materials not only addresses environmental considerations but also ensures that the housing units can withstand the rigors of temporary use.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of the Kharkiv Module House is its commitment to community-centric design. The layout promotes interaction among residents while maintaining individual privacy. This balance is essential in a temporary living scenario, fostering a sense of belonging and community despite the transitional nature of the housing. Additionally, the modular design allows for various configurations that can adapt to changing population needs or individual preferences.

The project also incorporates features that enhance its function. Individual units can be expanded or retracted based on the occupancy and requirements of the inhabitants, providing flexibility in living arrangements. External balconies further increase usable space, allowing residents to personalize their living environment while maintaining structural safety. The design considers future applications, including possible retrofitting of existing structures to support long-term housing solutions, which speaks to a commitment to sustainability.

Architectural Outputs and Further Insights

The Kharkiv Module House encapsulates contemporary architectural ideas while responding to pressing social needs. The modular framework, innovative use of materials, and focus on community living represent the future of adaptable architectural design. This project exemplifies how architecture can serve both immediate and long-term purposes in transitional settings.

For further details on the project, including architectural plans, sections, and additional design elements, interested readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. The insights provided will deepen understanding of the architectural strategies employed in creating a responsive and sustainable housing solution.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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