Rebuilding in Ukraine based on Danish model for non-profit housing

Efforts to re-build war-affected areas in Ukraine
Alongside local authorities in Ukraine and a number of Danish partners, the first step of the initiative, which is driven by a team from Henning Larsen Architects and Ramboll and financially supported by the Ramboll Foundation, is to develop a housing concept including design principles and sustainability criteria to the surrounding landscape and living environment.

These criteria include considerations about biodiversity conservation, efficient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and responsible operations and use of resources.

Importantly, the project is based on principles of equal access to housing, accessibility, and future proofing building processes. The vision and requirements are developed based on the EU Taxonomy as well as in close dialog with Ukrainian architects, authorities, and through involvement of Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced Ukrainians.

Next, the plan is to run three pilot projects, which hopefully will create the necessary learnings and inspiration to spread the concept even further – the aim is for the first pilot to start in 2025.

Uncertainty and political unrest
Non-profit housing is not a known concept in Ukraine, and a large part of the initiative is therefore centred on developing a model fitting Ukrainian needs and legal system, taking into consideration local requirements and challenges.

Adding to the complexity of the initiative is the current situation in Ukraine, which is defined by political unrest, difficult access to land, and unfamiliar and uncertain building regulations and legislation.

While having to navigate foreign territory and successfully get the first pilot up and running, the ambition of the housing concept is furthermore to re-built in a responsible manner, taking into consideration sustainable solutions.

“It is amazing to experience the involved team’s dedication and excitement to make this initiative a successful one for the benefit of communities and people in need of a home. It is a very rewarding process to be a part of and we both get to do good in the world while applying our skills and develop professionally at the same time,” adds Katja Waagepetersen, Senior Architect, Henning Larsen, and Vice Chair, Ukrainian Homes for All.

The initiative is supported with DKK 1,185,500m.