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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.

## Project Overview

The Kharkiv Module House serves as a temporary housing initiative in response to the humanitarian challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, as well as the subsequent reconstruction efforts. Rooted in local architectural traditions, the project employs modern construction techniques that emphasize speed and adaptability. This design is intended to address urgent housing needs while maintaining a connection to cultural contexts.

## Spatial Configuration and Materiality

The design employs a modular system, where each housing unit consists of panels measuring 60 cm, facilitating ease of transport and assembly, even for individuals with limited construction experience. The trapezoidal shape of the units deviates from traditional rectangular forms, allowing for flexibility in responding to diverse environmental conditions and spatial requirements.

Materials have been carefully selected for their sustainability and availability. Predominantly, wood is used for walls and roofs, providing both insulation and a natural aesthetic. Concrete serves as the foundational element, ensuring structural stability, while steel is utilized for connectors, enhancing robustness. The inclusion of glass in windows maximizes natural light, improving the overall livability of the spaces.

## Construction and Community Integration

The assembly process is designed for efficiency, beginning with foundational placement, followed by the erection of individual modules that ensure structural integrity through integrated panel collaboration. This step-by-step approach supports rapid construction, which is particularly vital in emergency housing scenarios.

The modular system not only allows for scalable configurations tailored to community needs but also promotes social interaction through thoughtful spatial arrangements. While the design encourages communal ties, it also balances the need for individual privacy, showcasing a commitment to community-centric living in temporary housing environments.

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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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