Despite a recent barrage of worrying news, we press on with scaling positive solutions on the ground.
Announcing a new Program of Bio-Based Homes for Ukraine at Scale
We are pleased to announce that our consortium Rawblox, Hempire UA and OpenDoorUkraine.NL has been awarded a €4 million grant from Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Partner in Sustainable Development and @NLMFA. This funding will allow the consortium to import three brand new, advanced Bio Panel manufacturing lines from the Netherlands and to construct over 400 bio-based, circular homes based on hybrid straw and hemp technologies in Ukraine over the next four years for rural families affected by war.
This project builds on three years of experience, during which we have successfully implemented modern, energy-efficient, and bio-based construction methods. A recent architectural research project by Ukraine’s leading expert in this field, Alexander Kucheravy, has further reinforced the potential of these technologies to be the most energy efficient, affordable solution for rapid and healthy reconstruction of Ukraine. With the support of Rawblox and Hempire UA we are now ready to scale up our efforts, with the Project set to begin on May 1.
Our approach prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and efficiency:
✔ Lower construction costs compared to traditional methods
✔ Up to 60% reduction in energy bills for homeowners
✔ Locally sourced materials, including straw and hemp, benefiting Ukrainian farmers
✔Adherence to strict EU standards on energy-efficient, CO2-neutral construction
✔ Training programs to equip local workers with new skills
✔ Commitment to ethical labor practices in partnership with the Union of Construction Workers of Ukraine
In collaboration with the All-Ukrainian Union of Manufacturers and Merchants of Building Materials and the State Research Institute of Building Structures, we will work toward integrating EU Green Deal standards into Ukraine’s regulatory framework, supporting the development of a scalable, sustainable bio-based construction sector.
By establishing production lines in Ukraine and sourcing raw materials locally, this initiative will not only provide much-needed housing but also create new economic opportunities for communities. Each 60m² home will require five tons of locally grown straw and hemp, generating additional income for farmers.
Through our partnership with our local partners and volunteers, we will also ensure that these homes are not only functional but thoughtfully designed, incorporating elements such as mosaic facades, which create a sense of community and belonging.
This project is an important step toward a sustainable and resilient future for Ukraine. We look forward to working with our partners to make it a reality.
More information about Alexander Kucheravy Bio-Based home designs and research project on energy efficiency can be found here: ODU Healthy House. Part I. Project
