Stryi is a city that deeply values its history. With over 600 years of existence, shaped by generations and historic events, the Oblast holds its roots firmly anchored in the past while its gaze and steps are directed towards the future. This balance is embodied in its motto:
“Semper fidelis”
This motto translates its essence: always faithful to its origins.
The local heritage protection zone creates a harmonious bridge between historic architecture and contemporary interventions, demonstrating Stryi’s commitment to progress with innovation while never losing sight of its rich culture and memory. This coexistence of past and future reveals the city’s ambition to grow while honoring its identity.
The Eco Center of Stryi emerges as a sensitive architectural response to the social, cultural, and environmental needs of the local community. The project aims to create a multifunctional and welcoming space that promotes well-being, social integration, and environmental education. Inspired by Ukrainian culture and the local landscape, the building adopts curved and organic forms, creating a visual and emotional connection with its surroundings.
Its concept is based on four main pillars: mutability, community, coexistence, and autonomy. Mutability is present in the flexibility of the spaces, which can be adapted for different uses over time, responding to the dynamics and needs of the community. Community is valued through spaces designed for gathering, exchange, and collective learning. Coexistence is reflected in the harmony between architecture, nature, and local culture, promoting a space of respect and integration between people and the environment. Finally, autonomy is pursued through solutions that aim for energy self-sufficiency, incorporating strategies for efficiency, renewable energy generation, and reduced environmental impact.
The choice of materials highlights local labor and resources, integrating sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of the international LEED certification. In addition to providing spaces for events, community gatherings, cultural and educational activities, the Eco Center also stands as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and identity for the city of Stryi.
To achieve the established goals, the Eco Center of Stryi adopts a series of integrated solutions that address social, environmental, and functional aspects.
1. Mutability:
The building was designed with modular and flexible spaces, capable of accommodating different layout configurations according to the needs of the community. Rooms with movable partitions, multipurpose areas, and adaptable furniture allow the environments to be transformed for cultural, educational, workshop, event, or community gathering activities.
2. Community:
The spaces were conceived to encourage social interaction, the exchange of experiences, and community participation. Open areas, such as internal verandas and seating spaces, promote integration among users. In addition, the project prioritizes universal accessibility, ensuring that all community members can enjoy the space.
3. Coexistence:
The harmonious relationship between the building, the natural surroundings, and the cultural identity of Stryi was one of the main design focuses. The use of curved forms creates a visual and sensory integration with the landscape. Landscaping solutions with species adaptable to both winter and summer conditions, as well as the preservation of green areas, reinforce this connection with nature.
4. Energy Autonomy:
The project incorporates strategies for energy self-sufficiency, such as a dedicated area for the installation of solar panels for renewable energy generation, a rainwater collection and reuse system, maximized natural lighting, and cross ventilation to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the selection of low-impact, high thermal performance materials contributes to the building's overall energy efficiency.
Through these integrated solutions, the Eco Center of Stryi positions itself as an innovative, sustainable space with strong social significance for the Oblast.
The Eco Center is located exclusively in building number 9 on Ivana Pavla II St., as requested by the community. With approximately 920 m², the project is distributed over a basement, three upper floors, and a common-use roof. The spaces were organized to facilitate flow between the different functions, strictly meeting the demands of the local community.
The building has a total height of 12 meters, with 4.5 meters buried below ground level. The open area of the site, about 320 m², is designated for public use and serves as a smooth transition between the streets and the Eco Center, promoting integration and welcoming.
For the structure, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and steel were used in the external parts, ensuring lightness and strength. The bunker was built with highly reinforced concrete, providing safety and durability.
This combination of materials and spatial organization reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability, functionality, and dialogue with the community and its surroundings.