Construction of residential buildings.
Novoselivka, located on the outskirts of Chernihiv, experienced almost complete destruction due to artillery attacks and aerial bombardments by Russian forces in February–March 2022. Despite the extensive destruction, a significant portion of Novoselivka’s surviving population chose to remain in the region . area, where many families are currently staying in temporary container homes, known as ‘the Polish village’. These residents have been eagerly awaiting the reconstruction of their private homes. Some have already begun makeshift reconstruction efforts on their own. However, about half of the village (corresponding to about 150 houses) is still in a state of complete destruction.
In response to the urgent need for permanent housing in Novoselivka, Open Door Ukraine, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, has launched a pilot project. This project uses a fast, ecological construction style using Neopor SIP panels with a high insulation capacity, made from EU-certified materials. The majority of materials used in this construction are locally sourced, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. Each house built through this pilot project is approximately 60 m2 in size and fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, boiler, stove and heating.
Status :
In progress (September-November 2023)
Financial information:
- ODU Budget: EURO 150,000 (Own Crowdfunding, Including Media House North and One Large Private Donor)
- Materials for interior work are provided free of charge by the Leroy Merlin company
- Local authorities responsible for clearing rubble, laying foundations and providing basic services (water, electricity, gas)
Target group and results:
The early reconstruction pilot project of Novoselivka village in Chernihiv focuses on providing permanent housing to five internally displaced families who have been prioritized and selected by local authorities. These houses are built on the beneficiaries’ plots, replacing the houses destroyed during the war.
Following completion of the pilot project, an evaluation will be conducted in collaboration with local and regional authorities and interested donors to assess the potential for scaling up rapid-build permanent housing initiatives in Novoselivka and possibly other conflict-affected areas.
This pilot project not only addresses the immediate need for housing, but also serves as a model for sustainable and efficient construction methods that can contribute to broader reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected areas. It offers hope to families who have endured displacement and the loss of their homes, with the aim of providing them with safe and comfortable housing in a timely manner.
