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Article

Use of modular technologies for the construction of low-rise housing in Kazakhstan

Inna Ostapenko Aray Saibulatova Duishobek Omuraliev Nigara Seitova Kamila Bekturganova
Abstract

The study aimed to develop an architectural model of point modular reconstruction focused on sustainable renovation of residential neighbourhoods, incorporating international standards of environmental and social efficiency, as well as the specifics of dense urban development in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. Based on architectural and planning analysis, urban planning expertise, assessment of regulatory applicability, as well as content analysis and SWOT analysis, the article provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential of modular housing and integration of eco-agro-architectural solutions into the living environment of the southern regions of Kazakhstan. An integrative model was developed for the point transformation of outdated neighbourhoods using modular construction, which can be implemented without resettling residents and with minimal time, financial and social costs. The structure of the model includes superstructure blocks erected on solid buildings to expand the housing stock; plug-in modular sections placed in inter-building spaces to compact and diversify the development; and community cores adapted to local needs. The decisions are based on the results of a survey of Almaty’s districts and accommodate the region’s climatic, demographic and regulatory characteristics. The study addressed the integration of eco-agro-architecture elements such as greenhouse modules, agro-platforms, vertical gardening and courtyard composting stations into the structure of residential development. The calculations and analysis demonstrated that the use of these solutions can reduce the heat load on buildings by up to 25%, increase the greening factor by up to 25%, and reduce the conditional carbon footprint by 18% per quarter. In addition, such elements contribute to the development of self-sufficient micro-communities, activating local urban agriculture and involving residents in shaping the environment. This strengthens social cohesion and expands the functional use of intra-quarter spaces. The presented model complies with the norms of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international guidelines for sustainable development, rethinking the local space as a multi-level ecosystem with recreational, social and agricultural functions

Keywords

frame-modular construction; eco-agro-architecture; energy efficiency; sustainable development; spot reconstruction

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Received 15.01.2025, Revised 16.05.2025, Accepted 01.07.2025

Retrieved from Vol. 11, No. 2, 2025

Suggested citation

Ostapenko, I., Saibulatova, A., Omuraliev, D., Seitova, N., & Bekturganova, K. (2025). Use of modular technologies for the construction of low-rise housing in Kazakhstan. Architectural Studies, 11(2), 21-35. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2025.21

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2025.21

Pages 21-35

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as