Architectural Giants of Logistics: TOP Innovative Logistics Centers of Ukraine 2025

Introduction: A New Era of Industrial Architecture in Ukraine

The Ukrainian logistics and warehouse real estate market is experiencing an unprecedented transformation. Against the backdrop of complex economic and geopolitical challenges, the industry is not merely recovering but making a qualitative leap, reconceptualizing the very essence of industrial facilities. Outdated, utilitarian “boxes” of the Soviet era are giving way to high-tech, architecturally expressive, and multifunctional hubs that become full-fledged nodes of the country’s new economic infrastructure.

Overview of the Warehouse Real Estate Market 2024-2025

The current state of the market is characterized by several key factors. First, there is an acute shortage of quality warehouse space, which has led to an abnormally low vacancy rate fluctuating between 1.5-3% in 2024-2025. For comparison, in the office segment, this indicator reaches 21%, and in shopping and entertainment centers – 15%. This imbalance between demand and supply stimulates steady growth in rental rates and sales prices. Second, the full-scale invasion caused the destruction of a significant portion of warehouse capacity in the east and south of the country, which, combined with mass business relocation, created powerful demand for new facilities in the central and especially western regions of Ukraine. This forced evolution, accelerated by war, provided a unique “clean slate” opportunity. Instead of slow modernization of outdated stock, developers are forced to build from scratch, immediately implementing the most modern European trends to attract international tenants and meet new realities.

Warehouse Transformation: From Utilitarian Box to Multifunctional Hub

A modern logistics center is no longer just a place to store goods. It is a complex organism where architectural and planning solutions are completely subordinated to the logic of automated processes, goods flow movement, and staff efficiency. The key trend is the transition to mixed-use format, where warehouse, production, retail, office, and even recreational zones are organically combined under one roof. Architecture ceases to be purely functional and becomes a powerful branding tool, conveying key company values: technology, reliability, and customer orientation.

Key Trends Shaping the Industry

Among the main tendencies defining the face of modern industrial architecture in Ukraine, the following can be highlighted:

1. Sustainable Development and “Green” Certification. Requirements for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important. International standards such as BREEAM and LEED are transforming from competitive advantages into industry standards for new facilities, especially for those seeking to attract international investors. Such facilities demonstrate a reduction in electricity, heating, and water costs by 40-45% and an increase in capitalization of up to 10%.
2. Technology and Automation. Architecture directly depends on the technologies inside. High ceilings, specific column spacing, perfectly level floors – all this is dictated by the requirements of modern sorting lines and robotic systems. The design of a logistics center now begins with an analysis of technological processes, to which the building itself adapts.
3. Human-Centered Design. In conditions of labor shortage, staff infrastructure becomes a key element of the project. Rest rooms with kitchens, showers and restrooms, bistros, green areas, and even lakes on the territory – all this ceases to be an option and becomes a competitive advantage in the fight for qualified personnel.

Rating Criteria

This rating evaluates companies based on a complex of criteria that reflect their contribution to the development of modern industrial architecture and the construction industry in Ukraine. The main focus is on:

1. Architectural Concept: Uniqueness and recognizability of projects, correspondence of architecture to functional purpose and corporate style.
2. Construction Innovations: Scale of implemented projects, construction speed, application of new technologies and materials (for example, quick-assembly structures with sandwich panels).
3. Engineering Systems and Technology: Level of automation, energy efficiency, integration of advanced engineering solutions.
4. Infrastructure Contribution: Impact of projects on the development of logistics infrastructure in regions and the country as a whole.

Rating: Flagships of Ukraine’s Logistics Infrastructure

#1 – Nova Poshta: Technology Flagship and Architecture of the Future

“Nova Poshta” is an undisputed leader in implementing innovations not only in operational activities but also in approaches to building its infrastructure. Its terminals have become a standard of technological logistics architecture in Ukraine.

Architectural Profile

The architecture of “Nova Poshta” terminals, such as the Kyiv Innovation Terminal (KIT) and Lviv (LEO), is a physical embodiment of the brand: speed, technology, scale. Simple but massive geometric forms, dynamic lines, and active use of corporate colors in facades create an instantly recognizable image. Planning solutions are completely subordinated to the logic of continuous package movement – from dozens of dock gates for simultaneous unloading of hundreds of vehicles to complex multi-level sorting belts that penetrate the entire building.

Construction Achievements (Case Study: KIT)

The Kyiv Innovation Terminal, built by “Art Bud Service” company, is an example of modern industrial construction. The total area of the complex is about 24,000 m², and investments in its creation reached €15-30 million. The use of quick-assembly metal structures and sandwich panels allowed the project to be implemented in tight deadlines, which is critically important for a rapidly growing business. The territory around the terminal is also designed for maximum efficiency: the coverage area for maneuvering and parking heavy transport is 67,000 m², ensuring uninterrupted operation of 850 vehicles per day.

Engineering Systems and Technologies

The heart of the terminals is high-tech sorting systems from leading global manufacturers such as Dutch Vanderlande and Ukrainian “SMS.” These systems can process from 15,000 to 50,000 packages per hour. The architecture of the terminals directly takes into account the requirements of this equipment. The innovations integrated into the infrastructure are impressive:

1. Automatic Scanning: A system of mirrors and cameras reads barcodes from six sides of a package at a speed of up to three units per second, automatically determining weight and direction.
2. Robotization: The terminals use robotic manipulators, such as the 6-axis MOTOMAN GP7, for placing cargo on lines.
3. Loading Control: Zebra cameras with Lidar technology analyze container loading efficiency, allowing for a 5-8% increase.

Conceptual Mehbud Design for Nova Poshta

For “Nova Poshta” terminals, where speed and security are priorities, the ideal solution for perimeter fencing is “Blinds” and “Rancho” fences from Mehbud. They provide not only physical protection but also visual penetrability for video surveillance systems, not creating “blind spots,” which is critically important for facilities of such scale. Terminal facades can be clad with ventilated facade cassettes “Mehbud”, made in the company’s signature red-gray colors. This will not only give buildings aesthetic completeness and emphasize corporate style but also increase their energy efficiency and durability thanks to double metal protection (zinc coating and polymer layer).

#2 – Alterra Group (PORT Lviv): Human-Centered Hub as New Standard

Developer company Alterra Group with its PORT Lviv project completely changes the perception of how a modern logistics center can look and function, placing not goods but people at the center of the concept.

Architectural Profile (Case Study: PORT Lviv)

PORT Lviv is a revolutionary mixed-use logistics park concept for Ukraine with an area of 77,000 m², located in the village of Pasiky-Zubrytski near Lviv. The architecture, developed by a team led by Ivan Kapustey, consciously departs from stereotypical “gray boxes.” Each construction phase has a unique facade using bright colors, creating a dynamic and modern appearance. An important element is landscape integration: green zones and an artificial lake are arranged on the territory, and a lighthouse has become the central cultural symbol. This approach transforms an industrial facility into an attractive public space.

Construction Achievements

PORT became the first large-scale infrastructure facility built in Ukraine during the full-scale war, which is evidence of the resilience and faith in the future of Ukrainian business. The project was implemented using frame technology and sandwich panels, which ensured not only construction speed but also high flexibility of planning solutions. This allowed the developer to quickly respond to market demand changes, adapting the project from large warehouse premises to smaller ones, from 200 m².

Engineering Systems and Technologies

The key emphasis in the project is on autonomy and energy efficiency. A solar power plant is being designed on the territory, capable of meeting 90% of the center’s needs on sunny days, and for guaranteed heating, a pellet boiler house is being expanded. PORT infrastructure is an embodiment of “smart” technologies: intelligent access systems with automatic license plate recognition and Face ID have been implemented, and a mobile application “Resident app” has been created for residents for convenient commercial real estate management.

Conceptual Mehbud Design for PORT Lviv

The architectural concept of PORT Lviv, based on bright individual facades, can be ideally implemented using panel and cassette facade systems Mehbud. The wide RAL color palette allows for the implementation of any design solution, creating a unique appearance for each resident within a unified style. For interior spaces, especially for office zones and business centers, cubic shaped and rack ceilings “Mehbud” will create a modern and technological appearance, hiding engineering communications but maintaining easy access to them, which is important for commercial premises.

#3 – Protec Zymna Voda (Fozzy Group): Architecture of Hyperscale

The Protec Zymna Voda logistics center, built to serve the needs of one of the country’s largest retailers, Fozzy Group, is an example of architecture where scale and functionality are brought to the absolute.

Architectural Profile

The project, located on the Lviv bypass road near the village of Zymna Voda, impresses with its dimensions – the total area after completion of all phases will reach 100,000 m², making it one of the largest not only in the west but in all of Ukraine. Architecture here is completely subordinated to function: ensuring maximum efficiency for a giant retail network. This is manifested in typical solutions for such facilities: large structural spans, working ceiling height of 12.5 m for multi-tier rack storage, a large number of dock gates for intensive cargo turnover.

Construction Achievements

Construction is carried out by the Lviv holding “Protec.” The key feature and complex engineering task is that a significant part of the complex (about 21,000 m²) consists of high-tech medium and low-temperature warehouses of class A+. Creating such large refrigerated and freezer zones requires special construction technologies and materials to ensure tightness and energy efficiency.

Engineering Systems and Technologies

The center performs not only warehouse functions but also the role of a production hub, where online order processing, product packaging, and even bakery work takes place. This requires the implementation of complex engineering systems for ventilation, air conditioning, humidity control, and strict adherence to sanitary standards, which places high demands on the design and construction of interior premises.

Conceptual Mehbud Design for Protec Zymna Voda

For such a large-scale facility as Protec Zymna Voda, the key factors are installation speed and structural durability. Wall sandwich panels, which can be clad with “Mehbud” profiled sheeting, are an optimal solution for wall construction. They ensure high installation speed and excellent thermal insulation properties. For interior production zones, where hygiene and ease of cleaning are important, metal cassette ceilings “Mehbud” are ideal. They are moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and allow easy integration of ventilation and fire suppression systems, which is critically important for food production.

#4 – Ukrposhta: Architectural Transformation of the State Giant

The state postal operator “Ukrposhta” has begun the most large-scale modernization of its infrastructure in the last 42 years, which is not just an update but a complete reconstruction of the logistics network according to European standards.

Architectural Profile

The modernization project involves building 7 new automated sorting centers and 62 depots throughout the country. The architecture of new hubs being built in key logistics points (Boryspil, Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv) symbolizes the transition from outdated Soviet infrastructure to a modern European operator. Projects are developed taking into account the standards of international financial institutions, which implies modern, functional, and energy-efficient solutions. This modernization is not only an infrastructure project but also a geopolitical step. Financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the requirement to comply with their construction standards physically integrate Ukraine’s state logistics into the European system. New hubs, especially Lviv’s, positioned as a “window to Europe,” become material confirmation of the country’s European integration course.

Construction Achievements

The project is financed by EIB and EBRD for a total amount of about €100 million. Construction is carried out “turnkey” with a requirement for structural service life of at least 30 years, indicating high requirements for material and work quality. The construction cost of the Lviv hub alone is estimated at $46 million, and Kyiv’s at $50 million.

Engineering Systems and Technologies

Projects involve complete automation of sorting processes. The planned capacity of the Boryspil center is over 40,000 packages and 45,000 letters per hour, which is tens of times higher than manual sorting capabilities. This requires specific architectural solutions for placing long conveyor lines and other equipment. Special attention is paid to the energy efficiency of sorting equipment.

Conceptual Mehbud Design for Ukrposhta Sorting Center

For strategic state-level facilities like Ukrposhta sorting centers, reliability is an absolute priority. “Mehbud” fencing with double anti-corrosion protection (galvanizing + polymer coating) will ensure durable and reliable perimeter protection.

“Mehbud” facade systems can be made in the corporate colors of Ukrposhta’s new brand, which will create a modern, unified, and recognizable architectural image for all facilities of the modernized network throughout the country, emphasizing the scale and systematic nature of changes.

#5 – Logistik Union (ATB Group): Architecture for Internal Needs

“Logistik Union,” which is part of the “ATB” corporation, is a vivid example of highly specialized logistics architecture, where every element of infrastructure is subordinated exclusively to the needs of its own giant retail network.

Architectural Profile

The architecture of ATB distribution centers (DC) is maximally utilitarian but at the same time highly efficient. Simple rectangular building forms, standard structural solutions, and absence of unnecessary decorative elements are aimed at achieving key business goals: maximum construction speed and cost minimization. The design of facilities in dark tones corresponds to the modern corporate style of the network’s updated stores.

Construction Achievements

The company owns one of the largest logistics infrastructures in Ukraine. It manages 10 DCs with a total area of over 200,000 m², of which 8 are company-owned. This indicates systematic and large-scale investments in building its own infrastructure. Distribution centers are located in key regions of the country, including Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv regions, ensuring optimal coverage for a network of over 1,300 stores.

Engineering Systems and Technologies

A key feature of ATB DCs is the use of modern multi-temperature class “A” warehouses, which allows storing a wide range of products with different temperature requirements. The company actively implements advanced energy-saving solutions: cutting-edge LED-based lighting systems, modern insulation systems, and energy recovery. Such a comprehensive approach allows reducing heating costs by up to 70%, which is a significant indicator for facilities of such scale.

Conceptual Mehbud Design for ATB-Market DC

For ATB distribution centers, where construction speed and energy efficiency are key, the ideal solution is the use of wall sandwich panels clad with “Mehbud” profiled sheeting. This ensures high installation speed and excellent thermal insulation properties, meeting energy efficiency requirements. For fencing large territories, “Mehbud” profiled sheeting fence is suitable, which is an economical and reliable solution for protecting the perimeter of industrial facilities.

Table: Comparative Characteristics of Leading Logistics Centers of Ukraine

Conclusions: Architectural Vectors and the Future of Logistics

The analysis of Ukraine’s leading logistics companies shows that the industry is experiencing a real architectural renaissance. We observe a clear and irreversible movement from simple, utilitarian warehouses to complex, technologically saturated, and aesthetically thoughtful logistics hubs. The war, despite all the destruction, has become a catalyst for this process, forcing businesses not just to restore what was lost, but to build new, significantly higher quality infrastructure oriented toward European standards and requirements.

The western region, particularly Lviv region, is transforming into a key logistics hub of the country, which is a natural consequence of reorienting economic ties toward the European Union. Projects being implemented here, such as PORT Lviv and Protec Zymna Voda, set new standards for the entire industry.

In the future, competition in the logistics real estate market will shift from simple rental price per square meter to facility quality, service level, and additional benefits. Key factors will be energy efficiency, compliance with “green” standards, availability of developed staff infrastructure, and flexibility of planning solutions.

The implementation of such ambitious and technologically complex projects is impossible without the use of modern construction materials and technologies. Products similar to those offered by the “Mehbud” factory – energy-efficient ventilated facades, durable fencing with double protection, functional metal ceilings – become not just construction elements. They are tools for achieving key business goals: ensuring high construction speed, compliance with international “green” standards, creating a unique architectural image, and guaranteeing long-term, reliable facility operation, which is the foundation for Ukraine’s economic recovery and development.