Hromada

Project idea

The Hromada Hub is a community-driven eco-educational center in Stryi, Ukraine, designed to address post-war recovery through holistic resilience. It transforms demolition waste into sustainable construction materials while reviving cultural identity through traditional Ukrainian embroidery patterns. The project empowers locals via participatory building processes, fostering ownership and hope.

Project description

The solution integrates:
Modular Design: Interlocking block systems inspired by embroidery patterns, enabling replicability.
Five-Senses Landscape: Therapeutic spaces (community farming, calming fountains) to reduce stress and rebuild resilience.
Hybrid Roof System: Flat and sloped roofs with solar panels and green roofing, balancing local aesthetics and sustainability.
Central Courtyard: Heart of the project, featuring a "healing tree" for gatherings and light/ventilation optimization.
Workshop Zones: For eco-education and skill development.
Façade Art: Patterns symbolizing protection/harmony, built from recycled materials.

Technical information

1.Materials
Structural: Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) from crushed bricks/demolition waste.

2. Solar Power System
Panel Type: High-efficiency monocrystalline silicon
Advantages:
Higher efficiency (18-22%) vs. polycrystalline
Better performance in low-light conditions (ideal for Ukraine’s climate)
Longer lifespan (25-30 years)
Panel Specifications:
Wattage: 350 W (0.35 kW) per panel
Dimensions: ~1.7 m × 1.0 m (standard for residential/commercial use)
System Size:
Total Daily Consumption: 112.51 kWh
Peak Sun Hours (Ukraine): 3.5 hours/day (winter-adjusted for conservative estimate)
Total Capacity: 32.2 kW (92 × 0.35 kW)

3. Energy Storage & Backup
Battery Bank: 30 kWh lithium-ion
Purpose: Store excess solar energy for nighttime/cloudy-day use.
Grid Connection: Hybrid inverter system for net metering.

4. Geothermal Heating (GHP) System
(As it complements solar for winter resilience.)
Type: Vertical Closed-Loop Ground Source Heat Pump
Heat Load: 766 kWh/day (35 kW capacity)
Cost: $30,000–$40,000.