Ukraine’s Lutsk Hosts the World’s Longest Residential Building

While the Great Wall of China is famous worldwide, a remarkable residential structure in Lutsk, Ukraine holds the title of the world’s longest residential building. Its unique design and sheer scale make it a standout example of unconventional Soviet-era architecture.

Construction of the building began in 1969 and took 11 years to complete, finishing in 1980. The project was designed by architects Hryhorii Metelnytskyi and Viktor Malovitsa, who envisioned a massive residential complex that continues to hold a global record even after more than four decades.

The building is designed in a honeycomb-like pattern, stretching along its main axis for approximately 1.75 kilometres. With additional extensions, the total length surpasses 2.75 kilometres, making it so long that walking from one end to the other can take nearly an hour.

This enormous structure contains hundreds of entrances, over 3,000 apartments, and thousands of windows, housing nearly 10,000 residents. In terms of size and population, it is larger than many small towns, demonstrating both the ambition and scale of Soviet-era urban planning.

The Lutsk residential building stands as a testament to innovative urban design, combining functionality with monumental scale. Its honeycomb structure not only maximizes living space but also gives the building a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from conventional residential complexes.

Beyond its practical purpose, the building has become a point of fascination for architects, urban planners, and tourists alike, offering insight into a bold and unusual approach to housing.

Although it may not attract the same international attention as global landmarks, this Ukrainian marvel holds its place in architectural history as the longest residential building in the world—a true engineering and urban planning feat.