We are thrilled to announce that the Bucha Forest Classroom project has been awarded a New European Bauhaus (NEB) Co-create grant! This initiative, aimed at fostering environmental education, sustainability, and community resilience, has been recognized among 8 most impactful projects shaping the future of human-centered, sustainable design which were chosen between more then 300 applications.
What is the Bucha Forest Classroom? 🌳📚
Located in Bucha, Ukraine, the Bucha Forest Classroom is an innovative outdoor learning space designed to:
✅ Immerse children in nature, providing a space for learning about nature, in nature.
✅ Utilize sustainable, circular materials, including Modulina Straw Panels, as both a building material and an educational tool. Glass part of the building will be covered with Birdshades film, to protect biodiversity and birds by innovative UV light.
✅ Serve as a space for psychological support, helping veterans and war-affected individuals reconnect with nature in a calming environment.
This unique eco-classroom, will be situated in a tranquil forest setting, as a great extention for the main Bucha School project, which has already been making significant progress in rebuilding post-war education infrastructure.
Modulina’s Role: Building Sustainability into Education 🏗🌾
As a company committed to circular construction and low-carbon building solutions, Modulina played a proactive role in shaping the Lithuanian contribution to the project. Recognizing the potential for New European Bauhaus (NEB) funding, particularly through the use of straw panels in constructing the future classroom, architect Viktorija Blažienė, CEO of 2L Architects—the Lithuanian firm leading the main Bucha School Project—proposed a collaborative effort.
By joining forces and embracing co-creation, we worked alongside Restart Architects, a Ukrainian spatial development agency specializing in urban and community activation. This partnership led to the development of a compelling proposal, bringing together expertise in sustainable architecture, local engagement, and educational innovation.
As a result, Daria Borovyk brought the vision to life by visualizing and drafting the concept of the Bucha Forest Classroom—a dedicated outdoor learning space designed to foster environmental education, resilience, and well-being where:
✨ Children can learn about sustainability through experience, surrounded by the very materials that embody circular economy principles.
✨ The structure itself, built with Modulina Straw Panels, serves as an educational model, demonstrating energy efficiency, carbon sequestration, and the beauty of bio-based materials.
✨ The local municipality can utilize the space for psychological support sessions, offering healing through nature for war-affected individuals and veterans.
This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, the vision of sustainable education, and the commitment to rebuilding resilient communities.
Other Awarded Co-create NEB Projects 🌍
We are honored to stand alongside these outstanding projects that have also received NEB grants:
🏡 Ratatouille of Vadrouille – Brussels, Belgium
🚛 Bringing sustainable food workshops and affordable plant-based meals to local neighborhoods through a mobile community kitchen.
🏗 ReHEALMS – Barcelona, Spain
🏥 Transforming Sant Pau into a sustainable healing hub, integrating mobility, nature-based solutions, and architecture for well-being.
🚶♂️ Reviving Connections – Celje, Slovenia
🌍 Restoring pedestrian-friendly urban design through co-design and active mobility solutions.
🍽 At The Table You Never Grow Old (ATTYNGO) – Agro Atellano, Italy
👵👶 Bringing together children and elderly citizens to document traditional recipes and promote sustainable food culture.
🏢 Villa+Verde Industrial – Madrid, Spain
🌳 Advancing climate adaptation in an industrial park through nature-based solutions and public-civic collaboration.
🏙 YOUrban – Istanbul, Turkey
🕶 Engaging youth in urban decision-making through VR simulations, participatory design, and placemaking.
🚲 Play Accessible Communities (PAC) – Izmir, Turkey
📖 Developing Izmir’s first Micro Mobility Playbook for municipalities, enhancing accessibility and urban design.
A Movement, Not Just a Project
The Bucha Forest Classroom is more than just an architectural endeavor—it is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. As part of the New European Bauhaus movement, it proves that communities can rebuild sustainably, inclusively, and beautifully.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of the NEB, the visionary collaboration with Bucha School, and the opportunity to bring nature and learning together in a space that heals and inspires made of the bio-based materials and assuring that straw is the most ESG relevant building material to create the projects for the human and nature.
🌍 Join us in celebrating this milestone!
📢 Follow the project’s progress at buchaschool.com and stay tuned for updates!