A design team from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology: Lukasz Danilczuk, Urszula Jedrzejczak and Zuzanna Derska were shortlisted for the Kharkiv Housing Challenge architectural competition organized by the Norman Foster Foundation. The goal of the competition was to find innovative solutions for rebuilding housing in war-ravaged Kharkiv.
elevation
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
Kharkiv Housing Challenge
The competition was part of the Kharkiv Masterplan project, created through the cooperation of the Kharkiv City Council, UNECE, Norman Foster Foundation, Arup and Kharkiv Architects Group. The organizers invited male and female architects and designers to develop modular systems that could be used to revitalize concrete apartment blocks and public spaces. Participants had to take into account safety and energy efficiency issues while preserving the local character of the development. The best projects have a chance to be implemented, contributing to the city's reconstruction.
retail facade
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
"Sheltering Community"
A design team from the Warsaw University of Technology created the "Sheltering Community" project, whose main task was to restore Saltivka - a neighborhood of great social and cultural importance - as a space that supports the development of local initiatives. The project aimed to create a place where residents and residents can not only live, but also engage in neighborhood life, share ideas, support each other and create strong social ties. The foundation of the idea is the assumption that a home is more than a building - it is a place of safety, peace and closeness.
axonometry
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
architecture for community
The project's architecture supports the building of social ties through the conscious shaping of common spaces, designed to foster contact and interaction between residents and occupants. The buildings harmonize with the local character of the neighborhood, and the friendly public spaces and architectural solutions encourage relationships. Wooden balconies and facade elements, create visually dynamic structures, reflecting the style of this part of the city.
second floor
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
hemp concrete and circular solutions
The project uses prefabricated wood and hemp concrete, promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient construction. The construction of the buildings consists of wood frames of local species such as spruce and pine, filled with a mixture of hemp, lime, sand and cement. Hemp concrete acts as a natural moisture regulator, provides high thermal insulation and is fire resistant. It is worth mentioning that the project refers to the principle of circularity - recycled materials, such as old windows and wooden elements, were used in the buildings and incorporated into the structure.
balcony
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
common areas and sports space
The project also provides for the creation of a local sports center, which has multipurpose fields and a modern sports pavilion. This makes the space accessible to both teams and individual athletes, and the facility offers locker rooms, showers and equipment rental. With a variety of sports groups in mind, smaller fields have been planned, ideal for table tennis, for example.
balcony
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
security and shelters
To ensure the safety of residents, the shelters were designed at a strategic distance of 150 meters from the buildings, at the level of one-third of their height. The shelters have two entrances - daily and emergency - as well as recreational and multipurpose spaces that can be used in various ways during peacetime, serving as storage or rental spaces.
Space adaptation and housing types
The designers envisioned a wide range of apartments to suit different needs. Option A includes standard apartments for small families, option B includes multi-generational apartments, and options C and D include coliving spaces for students and young couples, combining privacy with common areas. Each apartment is designed with ergonomics and functionality in mind, allowing for optimal use of space.
bedroom
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
The roof of the building is an ecological space with solar panels, providing sustainable energy. The roof surface also favors local flora and fauna, and a rainwater harvesting system supports efficient water management. The first floor of the building serves a service and technical function - housing coworking space, a bike room and technical facilities for residents.
terrace
© Łukasz Danilczuk, Zuzanna Derska, Urszula Jędrzejczak
Memorial Pavilion
The project also includes a unique Memorial Pavilion, whose ceramic tiles will be made by the residents themselves. Each tile symbolizes an individual story and the contributions of those involved in rebuilding Ukraine, creating a living symbol of unity and resilience. The pavilion pays tribute to all individuals, contributed to restoring Saltivka as a place of life, community and hope.
