Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, beginning in 2022, has resulted in widespread destruction of urban and rural infrastructure, displacing millions and leveling over 236,000 residential buildings. This thesis addresses the urgent need for sustainable, adaptable, and energy-efficient housing solutions in post-war Ukraine by developing modular houses constructed from locally available and reused war-damaged materials, primarily concrete.
The research combines a systematic literature review, expert interviews, case studies, and life cycle assessment (LCA) to investigate how circular construction strategies and material reuse can be applied to address reconstruction needs. The research aims to design modular house prototypes of 30–45 m² that are rapidly deployable and scalable, providing a humane, thermally comfortable, and socially resilient housing solution for displaced families.
The literature review comprised 68 peer-reviewed articles, which were reduced to 25 high-relevance sources. The results revealed that modular construction using reused concrete minimizes environmental impacts and advocates for the circular economy. Such approaches have less embodied carbon, reduced waste generation, and potential for local job creation. Case studies and expert interviews with Ukrainian regions, specifically Zaporizhzhia, identified accessible, reusable materials, standard construction practices, and regional climate and infrastructure factors that affect specific design demands. Case studies have demonstrated that prefabricated components and independent energy systems, such as solar panels and heat pumps, can operate efficiently in many regional environments within modular homes. A modulebased building design was developed using Autodesk Revit and evaluated using One Click LCA software. The calculations revealed a significant environmental benefit from using reused materials over traditional construction methods. Strawbale insulation, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), and other substitute products were also compared for energy efficiency.
This research concludes that reclaimed material modular housing can be a solution for reconstructing Ukraine based on the Build Back Better (BBB) principle. By combining sustainable design, circular material use, and flexibility, these homes meet both short term shelter needs and long-term development objectives. To achieve this, standardized guidelines for the reuse of materials must be developed, and implementation strategies must be scaled up to various regions in Ukraine.
2025.