Designing Dreams: DAGOpen OÜ’s ‘Hata’ Crowned Winner in Ukrainian House Architecture Contest

DAGOpen OÜ, an architectural firm, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious architectural competition focused on designing standard Ukrainian Family houses with their innovative creation called “Hata.” The competition garnered submissions from 17 talented architects hailing from Estonia and Ukraine, all vying to produce a modern family-type small group home design for implementation in Ukraine. The winning design “Hata” is deeply rooted in the architectural heritage of Ukraine, and it skillfully addresses spatial decisions required to confront the ongoing crisis in the country.

Courtesy of KUM | Hata by DAGOpen OÜ

“For Ukraine’s restoration attempts, open architectural contests are crucial since they provide the best potential to produce an adequate community and an efficient means of preventing corruption.” As stated by Andro Mänd, the head of the Estonian Architects’ Association.

Hata’s Design Concept

DAGOpen OÜ’s winning design exudes a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Drawing inspiration from traditional Ukrainian dwellings, the structure’s form and layout reflect the classic charm of these homes. However, the architects have masterfully incorporated contemporary elements and techniques into the design, resulting in a unique and forward-looking architectural masterpiece.
The primary objective of the invention is to evoke a powerful sense of space while ensuring that the occupants feel secure and at home within its walls. Although it can be prefabricated, “Hata” stands out from typical prefabricated houses, boasting a distinct character that appeals to a diverse array of inhabitants. Moreover, incorporating various elements from the renowned Davos’ Baukultur Quality System ensures that children can grow up in a rich and varied spatial environment, contributing to their overall well-being.

Courtesy of KUM | Hata by DAGOpen OÜ

Securing the second position in the competition is “Ruut” by Molumba Architects. Their design offers a prefabricated model designed to suit crisis contexts. Instead of adopting the usual corridor-based compartmentalization, “Ruut” ingeniously employs the common area as the central spine of the home, fostering spatial diversity and allowing occupants of different ages to enjoy their personal space without interruptions.

Courtesy of KUM | Ruut by Molumba Architects

In third place, KUU Architects presented their creation, “Krestiki Noliki.” This design boasts a clear and compact layout, emphasizing practicality and feasibility. Notably, it includes a dedicated library area, providing children of various ages with a sense of privacy, even in the challenging context of a crisis. “Krestiki Noliki” exemplifies a minimal yet sophisticated approach, utilizing carefully chosen components that set it apart.

Courtesy of KUM | Krestiki Noliki by KUU Architects

Courtesy of KUM | Krestiki Noliki by KUU Architects

Ukraine continues to grapple with the relentless crisis, with civilians and soldiers falling victim to the ongoing conflict, leading to a significant refugee crisis. In response, numerous humanitarian and cultural initiatives have been launched to mitigate the impacts of this tragedy.
One such initiative was the Pavilion of Ukraine’s “Before the Future” exhibition, showcased at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice. This thought-provoking exhibition delves into the possibilities of building a future amid a collapsing present, offering hope and inspiration to those affected.

Courtesy of KUM | Ruut by Molumba Architects

Amidst these trying times, celebrated architect Shigeru Ban has announced a collaboration with the municipality of Lviv to design an expansion for a hospital. The proposal incorporates cross-laminated wood and joints inspired by traditional woodworking techniques, aiming to create a safe and welcoming environment for those who have fallen ill during the war.
The triumph of DAGOpen OÜ’s “Hata” in the architectural competition signifies not only a significant breakthrough in architectural ingenuity but also an earnest effort to address the pressing needs of Ukrainian families during these challenging times. The amalgamation of tradition and innovation in the winning design stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of architecture to respond to societal crises with compassion and creativity.