Project Name: EcoSprout Learning Hub
Location: Stryi, Lviv Region, Ukraine
English Translation:
The EcoSprout Learning Hub is a visionary public eco-educational center designed to merge sustainable architectural principles with social empowerment. Strategically situated on a site formerly occupied by a residential building, the project transforms this space into a three-story, Net-zero facility devoted to renewable energy education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Context and Purpose:
Developed as a pilot model, this project aims to inspire a network of ecological learning environments throughout Ukraine. It directly aligns with the country’s climate ambitions and the 2024 National Renewable Energy Action Plan, especially in a time of post-conflict recovery and infrastructural decentralization.
Goals and Objectives:
Promote Public Awareness
Establish a landmark facility to educate and inspire the community about renewable energy and sustainable lifestyles.
Maximize Energy Efficiency
Employ advanced architectural design and energy systems to significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Support Urban Ecology
Integrate green infrastructure such as rooftop gardens and greywater systems to enhance urban biodiversity and resilience.
Foster Social Inclusion
Provide a welcoming and accessible space for people of all ages to learn, interact, and participate in environmental and cultural programs.
The EcoSprout Learning Hub is a comprehensive public space integrating renewable energy technologies, ecological design, and inclusive community programming. It is envisioned as a sustainable urban node that fosters environmental education, energy independence, and social interaction. Located in the city of Stryi in western Ukraine, the project is both a symbolic and practical response to climate challenges and post-conflict reconstruction. It replaces a former residential building with a multifunctional, net-zero energy structure that serves educational, administrative, commercial, and recreational purposes.
Scope of the Project Solution:
1.Architectural & Spatial Design
The three-story facility is functionally zoned for optimal use:
a.Basement (Zero Floor): Emergency shelter, utilities, and water storage
b.Ground Floor: Commercial units (e.g., shops, restaurants) for self-sustaining income
c.First Floor: Public programs such as workshops, youth lounges, libraries, and multipurpose rooms
d.Second Floor: Offices and conference facilities for NGOs and environmental organizations
e.Outdoor Areas: Rain gardens, play areas, shaded zones for leisure and environmental engagement
2.Environmental and Technological Integration
The project integrates multiple sustainable technologies, including:
a. Monocrystalline solar panels and wall-mounted micro wind turbines
b. Piezoelectric flooring in high-traffic areas to harvest kinetic energy
c. Kinetic honeycomb façades for passive cooling and adaptive shading
d. Greywater treatment and reuse systems
e. Green roofs for biodiversity, thermal regulation, and stormwater control
f. Smart energy systems estimating 548–658 kWh daily consumption, balanced with renewable generation
3.Social and Economic Context
The solution addresses the socio-economic landscape of modern Ukraine:
a. Promotes decentralized, resilient energy infrastructure
b. Supports community education and empowerment
c. Encourages economic viability through integrated commercial activities
d. Aligns with Ukraine’s national energy and sustainability targets (e.g., 27% renewable energy by 2030)
4.Strategic Vision and Impact:
The EcoSprout Learning Hub functions as a replicable model for eco-educational centers nationwide. It enhances public awareness of sustainable living, supports inclusive urban regeneration, and aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 7, 11, 13).
Technical Specification of the Project:
1. Building Type:
a. Function: Eco-educational public center
b. Typology: Mixed-use, Net-zero energy facility
c. Structure: Reinforced concrete frame with sustainable envelope systems
d. Floors: 3 stories + basement
e. Location: Stryi, Lviv Region, Ukraine
f. Site Condition: Redevelopment of a former residential area
2.Energy Systems:
a. Solar Energy:
• Rooftop monocrystalline solar panels with 18–23% efficiency
• Average solar radiation in Stryi: 3.5 kWh/m²/day
• Contribution to daily energy demand (548–658 kWh/day)
b. Wind Energy:
• 116 wall-mounted wind turbines
• Each turbine rated at 0.3 kW
• Designed for wind energy harvesting during low solar gain periods
c. Kinetic Energy:
• Piezoelectric floors in high-traffic zones
• Energy output: 5–7 W/m²
• Supports lighting and sensor systems
d. Passive & Responsive Envelope Systems:
• Kinetic honeycomb façade system
• Reduces energy consumption by up to 28%
• Provides natural ventilation and shading
3.Water and Environmental Systems:
a. Greywater Treatment:
• Multi-stage filtration: primary, biological, and secondary
• Reuse for irrigation and external cleaning systems
b. Green Roofs:
• Serve as thermal insulation
• Promote biodiversity and urban cooling
• Support stormwater management
c. Landscape Strategy:
• Incorporates native vegetation
• Permeable paving for stormwater absorption
• Enhances biodiversity and reduces urban heat island effect
4.Smart Systems Integration:
a. Energy Demand Monitoring:
• Smart metering and adaptive energy regulation
• Energy generation adjusted based on seasonal resource availability
b. Accessibility & Safety:
• Fully ADA-compliant design
• Emergency shelter in basement
• Shaded outdoor areas and rest zones for public use
5.Functional Zoning Summary:
a. Basement: Emergency shelter, water storage, technical systems
b. Ground Floor: Commercial spaces for restaurants, shops
c. First Floor: Educational and cultural facilities (workshops, lounges, library)
d. Second Floor: NGO offices, administration, conference rooms
e. Outdoor: Play areas, rain gardens, green rest areas