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Up-Cycled Concrete and Steel Frameworks Transforming Urban Regeneration into Community-Centric Living

Author:
Darya Protsenko
Up-Cycled Concrete and Steel Frameworks Transforming Urban Regeneration into Community-Centric Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating up-cycled concrete panels and a modular steel framework, the design fosters community engagement through adaptable public spaces while addressing urban housing needs in Kharkiv.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates modular steel structures for rapid assembly and flexibility.
02
Utilizes up-cycled concrete panels from local demolition sites.
03
Features integrated safe rooms within residential units for added security.
04
Includes car-free courtyards to enhance pedestrian-friendly environments.
05
Design prioritizes community interaction through multifunctional public spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Saltivka, Kharkiv, Ukraine, the design initiative focuses on urban regeneration in a post-crisis context. The project aims to revitalize neighborhoods through a comprehensive framework that emphasizes modularity, sustainability, and community engagement. The intent is to develop high-density, flexible environments that meet the diverse needs of residents while fostering a sense of belonging.

### Modular Design and Materiality

The architectural strategy employs a modular system that incorporates prefabricated construction elements, promoting rapid assembly and structural resilience. At the core of this approach is a modular steel framework that enhances structural integrity. The project also makes use of up-cycled concrete panels sourced from demolished buildings, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability through the repurposing of materials. Advanced thermal insulation materials improve the energy performance of housing units, aligning with contemporary environmental standards.

### Community-Centered Spaces

A central public square designed to accommodate a range of activities serves as a focal point for community engagement. This flexible space features expansive roof structures to shield users from the elements while allowing for natural light to enter. Additionally, step seating and gathering areas are integrated to encourage social interaction among residents. The design prioritizes pedestrian movement by incorporating car-free courtyards and community gardens that enhance the aesthetic and functional qualities of the environment. Furthermore, shared surface roads are introduced to facilitate safe passage for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, effectively reducing congestion.

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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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