Bloky Z Hata
Participated in Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Housing Challenge 2024
Site Analysis
Residential buildings in North Saltivka, Kharkiv, are prefabricated concrete panel structures with load-bearing walls (3 m high, 3–6 m long) and floor panels supported by welded steel joints. Basements on 10 m piles serve as plant rooms (1.8–2.2 m high). Fire resistance standards are REI-120 MO for 9-story and REI-150 MO for 16-story buildings. Block 86, a Soviet-era Khrushchyovka, has reinforced concrete walls and slabs but poor thermal efficiency—insulation upgrades could cut heating needs by 80%. Saltivka’s climate is cold-temperate (Köppen Dfa), averaging 8.8 °C and 610 mm annual rainfall, with warm summers from late June to September.
Symbol of Resilience
Ukrainians have shown resilience throughout history, preserving their identity despite invasions and oppression. Hata, meaning house, built with local materials, symbolizes this spirit, offering comfort and continuity. The design draws inspiration from the Ukranian hata, incorporating traditional elements to honor Ukraine's enduring culture and resourcefulness.
Building Kit
Inspired by traditional Ukrainian Hata joinery, the modular system combines compactness, adaptability, and sustainability. It can reinforce or replace damaged structures, supports diverse architectural forms, and allows easy transport and quick assembly. Merging craftsmanship with modern technology, it offers a versatile, eco-friendly solution for resilient and efficient construction.
Material Study
To enhance energy efficiency, we propose incorporating thermal breaks using polyurethane or aerogel inserts at all joint connections and vacuum-sealing insulation during manufacturing. The window design features a timber or highquality PVC frame with multi-chamber thermal breaks, triple glazing with low-E coatings, krypton or argon gas fill, warm-edge spacers, and multi-layer silicone gaskets for airtightness. These measures will reduce U-values to 0.12– 0.25 for floor slabs and 0.144–0.22 for external walls, optimizing insulation and minimizing heating demands
