Researchers at the Kyiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (KNUBA) are developing a sustainable concrete mix made from rubble. This includes debris from war-damaged buildings and other types of industrial and agricultural waste. The goal is to use these recycled materials in both traditional and 3D printed construction.

This project is part of a broader international initiative aimed at rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure in an environmentally responsible way. The two-year effort focuses on creating fast, affordable, and circular building solutions for civil and military use in Ukraine, Poland, and the United States.

Circular Construction through Material Innovation

The research team is formulating a new concrete recipe that incorporates demolition and waste materials. These are processed into a printable concrete suitable for additive manufacturing. Compared to traditional methods, 3D printing offers faster build times, lower material use, and reduced need for labour.

This is especially important in Ukraine, where large-scale housing reconstruction is urgently needed. Using rubble not only cuts costs but also reduces the environmental footprint of new developments. It’s a compelling example of circular economy principles applied to real-world design challenges.

International Support and Knowledge Exchange

The project is funded by the US Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation (NSF). It is part of the IMPRESS-U programme (International Multilateral Partnership for the Sustainability of Education and Science in Ukraine). KNUBA works alongside partners from Stony Brook University (USA) and the Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz (Poland).

Within KNUBA, students, graduates, and faculty from the Department of Building Materials and the Department of Technology of Building Structures are leading the development. The project combines research with hands-on learning and promotes international knowledge sharing.

Why This Matters for Designers

This innovation is especially relevant for architects, construction professionals, and product designers interested in sustainable materials and digital fabrication. It shows how recycled content and 3D printing can work together to support rapid and eco-conscious rebuilding.

As designers explore new ways to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment, projects like this offer practical and scalable solutions. Whether in emergency housing, infrastructure, or military applications, waste-based concrete could play a key role in shaping future construction.

Source & images: KNUBA