ECO EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

Helwan University in Zamalek, Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Cairo

Project idea

Building Resilience Through Architecture – The Eco-Educational Center in Stryi is more than a building; it is a modular framework for renewal, education, and sustainable living. Designed in response to Ukraine’s current challenges and its hope-filled future, the center brings together ecological awareness, community empowerment, and flexible architecture in a regenerative system that can adapt and grow with the needs of its users.

Through a composition of stacked cubic modules, the design symbolizes the layered process of healing—both social and environmental. Each unit functions autonomously yet contributes to a larger whole, forming a resilient structure that evolves with time. By integrating sustainable technologies such as monocrystalline solar panels, greywater treatment, and rainwater harvesting, the center becomes a self-sufficient organism rooted in the climate and context of Stryi. This is a place where people can learn, connect, and regenerate—both physically and spiritually.

Project description

Strategically positioned in the southern district of Stryi, in close proximity to the historic Cathedral of the Assumption and along a direct axis to the town’s central square, the Eco-Educational Centre combines accessibility with a serene environment. The surrounding landscape—comprising mature trees, gardens, and existing vegetation—serves as a natural buffer, preserving the site's contextual identity while supporting ecological diversity.
The design honors the past through the reuse of materials from dismantled buildings once on-site—weathered bricks, aged timber, and salvaged elements reduce environmental impact and create a sense of continuity.
The building is structured over four levels:
Ground floor: Functions as a shelter for emergencies or air raids.
First floor: Hosts a community café and garden-access entrance, promoting social connection.
Second floor: A flexible public space for workshops, youth programs, and civic gatherings.
Third floor: Office spaces for local and environmental organizations.
A rooftop terrace crowns the center, featuring green zones, educational displays, and quiet areas. It serves as a bridge between learning and nature—reinforcing values of sustainability, inclusion, and regeneration.
Blending renewable systems, reused materials, and social intent, the Eco-Educational Centre offers a living model of resilient, community-driven development.

Technical information

Structure & Materials:
Modular design using locally sourced materials to reduce emissions and support the regional economy
Steel ladders facilitate vertical circulation and allow structural flexibility
Limestone cladding and foundations enhance thermal mass and regional continuity
Hempcrete bricks and hemp wool insulation provide natural thermal regulation, carbon sequestration, and breathable walls for a healthy interior
Energy Systems:
Monocrystalline solar panels (38° south-facing tilt) deliver year-round renewable energy
Green roofs provide insulation and collect rainwater
Recuperative ventilation system ensures energy-efficient air circulation and indoor air quality
Water Management:
Rainwater harvesting from roof catchments supplies water for non-potable use
Greywater treatment system with filtration and digestion components recycles wastewater
Raingardens and permeable pavements mitigate stormwater runoff and support groundwater recharge
Waste Management:
A sustainable waste management strategy includes on-site waste sorting, organic composting, and integration with local recycling services
Construction waste is minimized through modular prefabrication and the reuse of salvaged materials such as reclaimed bricks and timber from dismantled buildings
Ecological Landscape:
Permaculture-based landscaping with native and edible plants
Preservation of existing trees enhances biodiversity and microclimate stability
Accessibility & Inclusion:
Fully wheelchair-accessible, including the rooftop
Flexible, multi-use interior layouts accommodate various user groups and functions, supporting inclusivity and community engagement