WZMH Architects and its research and development lab known as ‘sparkbird’ have teamed up with industry partners – Spring Valley Corp, Stephenson Engineering Ltd, Quasar Consulting Group and Argentum – to develop a new solution designed to restore the spaces of life in Ukraine.
The result is a prefabricated modular precast solution Speedstac for mid- to high-rise residential buildings that addresses the housing crisis across the country, says the firm. Made of “boxes” that are stacked together, side by side, on top of each other, the prefabricated modular units slide into the existing building and replace damaged sections with new residential units.
A distinguishing feature of it is a unique component, a ‘special connector,’ which facilitates the process of stacking buildings together, speeds up the construction times and makes Speedstac cost-effective.
“In addition, the solution resolves common acoustical and fire separation issues with high-strength concrete on all four sides of a unit, while addressing durability and lifecycle,” says Zenon Radewych, Principal at WZMH Architects. The concrete modules were also designed to significantly reduce applied finishes (i.e. gypsum board, carpet, tiles) and include a ‘sandwich’ layer that eliminates the need for bulkheads.
WZMH Architects further states that the concept has been endorsed by the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, and WZMH – alongside a group of Ukrainian architects, who temporarily relocated to Canada and joined their team – will collaborate with the government authorities in Ukraine and Canada to bring the idea to life.