The shelter, located at a military educational institution, spans nearly 100 square metres and was assembled in six weeks from prefabricated steel modules. It meets national construction standards and serves as both a secure refuge and a multifunctional training centre.
Designed to hold over 70 people for instruction and up to 150 in emergencies, the hub allows uninterrupted lessons during air-raid alerts. It is situated outside the main building and linked by steel walkways, buried deep enough to withstand debris and drone strikes.
Inside, there are three training areas, toilets and five exits, including an emergency route leading to a secure distance. Folding furniture enables the space to be reconfigured for different activities, such as lectures or tactical medicine training.
Metinvest says the modular Steel Dream shelter can be adapted for both existing structures and new developments. Variants include options for temporary, anti-radiation and civilian shelters, tailored by floor area, capacity or room functions.
“Metinvest sees great potential in the use of steel shelters for both the military and civilians. It is a quick solution that guarantees safety and the continuity of learning even during wartime. Steel is the main material for Ukraine’s future reconstruction. Even now, steel protects lives, shaping a new architecture of safety for the country,” said Metinvest Group CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov.
The initiative originated from the Odesa Military Academy, whose leadership requested Metinvest’s support to maintain educational continuity under threat. “It was critically important for us to find a solution that would allow us to respond promptly to air-raid alerts without losing the tempo of training. Training schedules for all categories of personnel are extremely tight, and every enemy attack poses a risk not only to life but also to the rhythm of preparation. We wanted to create a space where safety is combined with functionality, and Metinvest Group provided exactly that, free of charge. Modern technology, aesthetics and flexibility make it possible to hold lectures, run training sessions and classes in tactical medicine, as well as to ensure comfortable rest. This is not just a shelter: it is care for the people who prepare for service in wartime every day,” said Andrii Stupin, head of logistics at the Odesa Military Academy.
The military-proven design is also suitable for civilian use, including in schools, hospitals and administrative buildings. The Steel Dream concept provides more than 200 building designs, including homes, social infrastructure and commercial spaces, based on prefabricated steel frames, modules and platforms.
Each project includes full documentation, from cost estimates and construction timelines to layouts and technical specifications, enabling communities to start building as soon as funding is secured.
