From Abandoned Hospital
To Housing for the Displaced
As of May 2023, 5,600,000 Ukrainians remain homeless and internally displaced (IDPs) throughout Ukraine. Their homes in the east continue to be uninhabitable and are likely to be uninhabitable for the decades to come for the threat of mines and unexploded ordinance.
To tackle this unprecedented IDP crisis, new solutions must be more cost-effective, scalable, and quicker to set up than any other housing solution previously deployed.
Luckily, we have the solution: converting of existing abandoned structures into apartment complexes.
Featured Project
Vikno
By the Numbers
Project Total Cost: $700,000
Apartment Units: 52
Total Expected Residents: 160-180
Avg Cost per Apartment: $12,500
Avg Cost per Resident: $4,000
Ammenities
En Suite Bathrooms
Shared Kitchen
Shared Living Space
Laundry Room
Ground Floor Comercial Space
Progress
$100,000 / $700,000 Funded
Building Electrical - IN PROGRESS
Elevator Installation - IN PROGRESS
Central Heating - IN PROGRESS
Interior Construction - PENDING FUNDING
Rebuild,
Revitalize.
Revitalizing Existing Land & Buildings
The Ukrainian landscape is filled with abandoned and incomplete structures hailing from Soviet times and standing on public land. Reclaiming and renovating these existing structures allows the housing to be built cheaper on readily zoned and available land. In this project, permanent housing can be provided for displaced persons at $12,500 per unit.
Rebuilding Local Economies
Millions of IDPs have been relocated to western regions. For many, permanently. To support these new migrants, public lands in Vikno will be renovated to introduce new industrial capacity. Local community leaders have agreed to support new outside investments and have set aside a budget for infrastructure investments for future industry.
Why Vikno?
Progressive Municipal Administration
In Vikno, the government is progressive and focused on the future, actively working on economic growth and preparing for an expanding population. By collaborating with an administration that shares our vision, we significantly reduce the political and civil risks associated with the project.
Locational Security
Up until October 31st, 2022, Chernivtsi oblast was the only region that had not experienced any attacks. Its distant location from Russia and Belarus, along with its borders with Romania and Moldova, contributed to safeguarding its airspace from potential threats. This advantageous geographical situation helps ensure the long-term success of the project.
Westward Immigration & Eastern Exodus
Due to extensive damage, proximity to the Russian border, and the high reconstruction costs, the Eastern regions will likely remain deserted for decades. Given the existing displacement crisis and the urgent need for housing, there is a pressing need to transform villages into new urban centers, which will alleviate overcrowding and reduce living costs in cities.
Shifting Economic Center
As the eastern industrial hubs are now devastated, Ukrainian industry must relocate to more secure and stable regions for long-term growth. New factories and production centers will emerge in the Central and Western areas, contributing to economic development and job creation in these regions.
Our Approach for Housing
Upon evaluating Ukraine's housing options, we decided to renovate the numerous abandoned structures already present across the country.
These pre-zoned buildings, owned by regional municipalities and prepared for infrastructure integration, provide an efficient and convenient solution while also ensuring that investments remain entirely within the Ukrainian economy.
Refurbished Buildings
Pros:
$12,500/apartment inclusive of communal spaces
Funds kept within the Ukrainian economy
Land pre-zoned and buildings socially owned and located within the municipality
Allows for greater density of residents
Cons:
Municipal corruption threats if legal protections are not correctly set up
Limited layout configurations - dependent on the refurbished building
Evaluated Alternatives
Pre-Fab Modular Home (1BR)
$40,000 - $75,000/unit
Factory production rate limitations
Large land requirements & zoning restrictions
Costly infrastructure set-up requirements
Risk of creating ghettos
Container Homes
Limited layouts configurations
Cramped interiors, poor insulation
Large land requirements & zoning restrictions
Costly infrastructure set-up requirements
Not suitable for long-term housing
Risk of creating ghettos
Floor Configuration
11 One Bedroom Apartments - 161 sqft
2 Two Bedroom Apartments -215 sqft
1 Bedroom Apartments - 323 sqft
4 Residential floors, 1 Commercial ground level
Communal Kitchen
Communal Common Space
Laundry Room
Rooms
Each room is designed to accommodate at least two residents. Furniture and furnishings will allow residents a simple but comfortable interior and a private bathroom with shower.
This facility will emphasize communal living with shared kitchen areas and common spaces to hang out. All furnishings will be produced within Ukraine.
Communal Kitchen
Each floor will feature a shared communal kitchen space for the residents. This comes as a feature of the former hospital design layout but has the added benefit of creating significant space savings.
Exterior
Work
In Progress
The building itself is repurposed from an incomplete hospital built during Soviet times. Designed to be simple, this design allows construction to be conducted quickly and cost-efficiently.
To provide greater amenities for the residents of the IDP facility and of Vikno, a post office, family doctor's office, dentist, and pharmacy will also be built into the first floor of the building.
Meet the Team
-
Zhanna Galeyeva
CO-FOUNDER, CEO
-
Isaac Yeung
CO-FOUNDER, COO
-
Bogdan Kovaluk
VIKNO PROJECT LEAD
FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR, CHERNIVTSI OBLAST, PH.D ECONOMIST
-
Oleksandr Shavedik
ARCHITECT
DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION, CHERNIVTSI OBLAST
-
Amir Eftekhari
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
-
Maxim Tkachenko
UA GOVERNMENT PARTNER
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN - SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE PARTY, FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESETTLEMENT OF OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Interested in supporting Ukrainian reconstruction? Investments? Reach out to us.
Isaac Yeung
contact@birdoflightukraine.org
+380-68710-0052 (Ukraine)
+1-332-910-3085 (Whatsapp & Text Only)