THE SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT

The social housing project on Mykolaichuka St. in Lviv is a response to the city’s modern demand for a high-quality, affordable, and well-thought-out residential environment. It is not merely about constructing new apartments, but about forming a complete urban block where housing, public spaces, and the natural landscape function as a single system.

The 3.8-hectare site features a complex topography with a natural valley, which became a key element of the concept. Instead of pitting architecture against nature, we integrated it into the spatial logic of the district. The green slopes and existing landscape form the foundation for creating open public spaces, pedestrian routes, and view corridors.

A vital principle of the project is the prioritization of pedestrian movement and public transport. A dedicated public transport lane and a bicycle highway pass through the green valley, while vehicular traffic is redirected higher up—along the urban street that forms a distinct building frontage. This approach reduces the traffic load within the block and creates a safe environment for daily life.

The district’s space is organized as a sequence of courtyards, plazas, and public functions that integrate naturally into the existing terrain. The buildings are positioned to maximize natural light, open up views of the valley, and provide comfortable conditions for residents at various times of the day.

The architectural structure of the block is based on a combination of several residential building typologies, each corresponding to different living scenarios.

Standalone buildings in the northern part feature a distinct silhouette with sloped roofs, creating the impression that they are growing out of the green environment. This geometry allows for the design of spacious upper levels, offering the possibility for duplex apartments and panoramic views.

Sectional buildings in the upper part of the block form an urban facade along the boundary with the neighboring development. Accent sections at the corners of the blocks are emphasized by pitched roofs, while active ground floors are filled with commercial functions—cafes, workshops, and offices—that support street life. In the inner courtyards, ground-floor apartments are provided with their own small private yards, while the upper levels feature spacious balconies for outdoor relaxation.

Gallery-type buildings—compact five-story sections with large shared terraces—are geared toward young families and communities. Their characteristic horizontal articulation and through-openings with terraces create a light, open aesthetic and enhance social interaction among residents.

A special role in the composition is played by the public buildings—the sports and rehabilitation center and the community center. They are designed in a distinct architectural style using timber structures, which emphasizes their openness and social significance. Large display windows and warm facade textures create an inviting atmosphere and form a space for interaction, learning, and recovery. Structurally, these buildings are made of CLT panels and long-span glued laminated beams, which allows for spacious interiors with a minimal number of supports.

Sustainability is an integral part of the concept. The pitched roofs of the residential buildings are oriented at an optimal angle for the installation of solar panels, while the flat roofs are covered with a sedum layer that requires little maintenance, while simultaneously reducing the load on the storm drainage system and improving the microclimate of the district.

The project is designed for phased implementation over approximately five years. The first stage involves establishing the transport infrastructure and engineering networks, providing the foundation for further development. Subsequent phases involve the gradual construction of residential buildings and an underground parking lot—moving from the eastern part of the site to the completion of the complex with a multifunctional sports center in the western zone.

The 3.8-hectare site is planned as a comprehensive residential block with a total floor area exceeding 76,000 square meters. It will accommodate approximately 930 apartments of various types, an underground parking lot for 650 cars, commercial premises, a kindergarten, a community center, and a large sports and rehabilitation complex. The building density is only 27%, which maintains a balance between architecture and open spaces.

Ultimately, this project is not just about architecture as a form, but about architecture as an environment. It is about the opportunity to create a district where nature, urban structure, and daily life form a single, cohesive system—a space that functions not only today but also lays the groundwork for the city’s future development.