In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the reconstruction of the nation goes beyond the mere repairing of infrastructure; it is a profound moral imperative to restore dignity and safety to its people. This sentiment was powerfully affirmed recently when a groundbreaking housing initiative for displaced Ukrainian foster families was named “Best Development of the Year” at Woodhouse Estonia’s 2025 Prefab House Awards. The award highlights a unique cross-border collaboration that marries Estonian innovation with Ukrainian resilience, featuring the vital contributions of the Ukrainian general contractor, Aleksandria (www.aleksandria-bud.com.ua/en/).
The “HATA” Project: A Design for Dignity
The award-winning project involves a series of family-style small group homes designed specifically for large foster families who have been displaced by the war. The standard design, known as “HATA,” was selected through a rigorous architectural competition organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Union of Estonian Architects, and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).
Created by the Estonian firm DAGOpen in partnership with the Ukrainian design studio Byro, the “HATA” design is a masterclass in combining modern efficiency with traditional comfort. Each home spans 212 square meters and features seven bedrooms and four bathrooms, providing ample space for large families to heal and grow. The project is not just about shelter; it is about creating a “work of symbolic importance,” as noted by the award jury. The homes utilize high-quality Estonian timber construction, allowing for rapid factory production and assembly while ensuring the final structure is sustainable, warm, and dignified.
A Triumph of Collaboration
The success of these small group homes is built on a tripartite partnership between ESTDEV, the leading Estonian prefabricated house manufacturer KMT Prefab OÜ, and the Ukrainian construction company Aleksandria (Aleksandria-Bud). While the wooden elements were precision-manufactured in Estonia, the realization of the project on the ground in Ukraine relied heavily on the expertise of Aleksandria.
For Aleksandria, this project is a continuation of a two-decade legacy of engineering excellence. Founded in 2004 as a small design and surveying firm, the company significantly expanded its operations in 2015 to tackle complex construction challenges across Ukraine. Today, their portfolio boasts over 300,000 square meters of completed residential, industrial, and commercial space, with clients ranging from Boryspil International Airport to major logistics providers like Nova Poshta.
However, the “HATA” project represents a different kind of achievement for Aleksandria. It underscores the company’s stated commitment to social responsibility and its ability to operate effectively despite the “challenges of the times.” Operating in a war zone requires more than just technical skill; it demands unwavering resolve. Aleksandria’s involvement ensured that the high-tech, prefabricated components arriving from Estonia were assembled and integrated into the local infrastructure with the speed and quality the situation demanded.
Rebuilding with Speed and Soul
The synergy between the partners allowed the homes to be manufactured and assembled in just a few months—a critical factor given the urgent need for housing in war-torn regions. Tarmo Needo, ESTDEV’s programme manager for Infrastructure Development, emphasized that the project was born of close cooperation. “Our goal was to demonstrate the speed and quality of Estonian prefabricated construction,” Needo said. “Most importantly, three large Ukrainian families displaced by the war now have safe, dignified homes once again.”
Annika Kadaja, CEO of Woodhouse Estonia, echoed these sentiments, framing the project as a beacon of future possibilities. “Rebuilding Ukraine is not only a construction challenge but also a symbolic and moral step,” she stated. The homes serve as proof that factory-built timber construction can offer high-quality solutions quickly in crisis zones, providing practical support without sacrificing the human element of home.
A Legacy of Resilience
While the overall winner of the 2025 awards was a seven-story modular apartment building in Norway, the special recognition of the Ukrainian project highlights a different metric of success: social impact. For the Aleksandria Group, which is currently managing over 280,000 square meters of active construction projects including bomb shelters and critical infrastructure, this award is international validation of their pivotal role in Ukraine’s recovery.
As Ukraine looks toward the future, the “Best Development of the Year” award stands as a testament to what is possible when international solidarity meets local capability. Through the combined efforts of Estonian woodworkers and Ukrainian builders like Aleksandria, the “HATA” homes are more than just buildings; they are foundations for a new beginning.