In our previous explorations of the global real estate sector, we analysed the markets that demonstrate the greatest stability during geopolitical shifts and the cutting-edge materials engineered to withstand extreme physical threats. However, structural strength and financial metrics are only two pillars of a building’s longevity. The third, and most vital, is the architectural vision: the ability to create a secure environment where protection technologies become a seamless part of daily comfort.
The Duck’s Lake project in Lviv, designed by ARKHO Group, serves as a definitive case study of how “10-second safety” and natural landscapes establish a new standard for resilient architecture.
Mamads: Security Integrated into the Building’s DNA
True resilience today is measured in seconds. In Duck’s Lake, the concept of security reaches a new level with the implementation of Mamads — individual safety rooms integrated directly into the floor plan of every unit.
“At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, integrating high-level safety zones directly into residential or office floors was not yet a standard practice for Ukrainian architects,” says Volodymyr Khoma, founder of ARKHO Group.
“We looked to the Israeli experience as a benchmark and were among the first to integrate the ‘Mamad’ concept into the Duck’s Lake project. Today, we see that what was once a specialised solution has become an indispensable part of global architecture. Modern conflicts force us to reach entirely new levels of design — where a building’s ‘intelligence’ is defined by its ability to protect life instantly.”
- Safety in 10 Seconds: Unlike traditional basement shelters (which are also provided in this project), Mamads allow residents and office staff to reach a protected space within seconds. These zones enable occupants to continue their work in a secure environment, fully equipped with communication tools and high-speed internet. This approach radically enhances resilience to environmental stress. Furthermore, each floor’s safety room is adjacent to a reinforced evacuation stairwell that provides a direct and secure exit from the building.
- Engineering Sophistication: Drawing on the expertise from our previous discussion on ultra-high-performance materials, ARKHO Group integrates these reinforced zones into an unshakeable structural skeleton. This is architecture that doesn’t just “look” reliable; it is resilient at a molecular level. These spaces are also equipped with autonomous air recovery and ventilation systems, modern drinking water solutions, and first-aid kits designed for immediate, short-term protection.
Public Space: The Social Glue of a Resilient City
The resilience of a development is also tested by its ability to foster community. In the Duck’s Lake ecosystem, the public realm surrounding the water acts as a “social safety valve.”
- The Integrated Human Journey: The logic of pedestrian routes encourages spontaneous interaction, creating a vibrant 24/7 ecosystem.
- Adaptive Urbanism: The landscape is designed to be equally effective during a cultural festival as it is when serving as an organised assembly point during an emergency. A space that can protect its people is a space that retains its value over decades.
The Lake as a Gravity Center and Regenerative Tool
Rather than treating proximity to water as a technical constraint, ARKHO Group has embraced the lake as a primary “co-author” of the project. In the modern urban landscape, “Blue Infrastructure” is no longer a luxury, but a functional tool for psychological regeneration.
At Duck’s Lake, the architectural volumes are strategically positioned to create a continuous dialogue between the interior and the water, says ARKHO Group. The priority given to panoramic views and natural light acts as a “buffer” against external stressors, ensuring the project remains a source of tranquility regardless of the broader global conditions, the company adds.
A New Formula for Success
The Duck’s Lake case proves that the future of real estate development lies not in the strength of walls alone, but in their intelligent placement. When Mamads meet the regenerative power of nature, the result is a space that does more than just survive a crisis — it becomes the foundation for the city’s future growth.
About ARKHO Group
ARKHO Group is a Lviv-based architecture bureau specialising in complex residential developments, high-rise buildings, and urban projects.
The studio works with a design philosophy called functional aesthetics, where architectural form emerges directly from function, engineering logic, and human-centred planning. Buildings are conceived as integrated systems in which spatial efficiency, structural clarity, and user experience define the architecture.
This approach results in a recognisable architectural language based on clear geometry, rational planning, and restrained contemporary expression.
ARKHO Group operates with a full-cycle design approach, from concept and master planning to architectural design and implementation support.
The studio’s work has received international recognition, including awards at the International Property Awards. Experience gained through designing projects in Ukraine during wartime has also shaped the bureau’s expertise in resilient architecture and safety-integrated design.
