Circular Construction

The Circular (Re)Construction cluster focuses on sustainable rebuilding efforts in Ukraine, combining innovative approaches to reconstruction with the principles of circularity—minimizing waste, maximizing resource efficiency, and promoting local community involvement. In the wake of war and displacement, the cluster aims to address urgent housing and infrastructure needs while fostering long-term environmental and social resilience. Central to this effort are two key initiatives: the NGO “RE-WIN” in Switzerland and the Charitable Foundation “CO-HATY” in Ukraine.

RE-WIN: Circular Solutions for Ukrainian Reconstruction

Mission and Activities
RE-WIN, a Basel-based NGO established in 2022, is committed to advancing circular construction practices and addressing humanitarian needs in Ukraine. Its primary initiative, “Windows for Ukraine,” reclaims used windows from Swiss construction sites, shipping them to Ukraine for distribution by local partner NGOs. These windows enable communities to rebuild homes, providing immediate relief and fostering sustainable practices.

Achievements by 2024
Despite operating with a volunteer-driven model and limited personnel in Ukraine, RE-WIN has made significant contributions:

6,292 windows delivered, offering essential building materials for reconstruction.
3,150 homes restored, ensuring warmth and safety for displaced families.
884 tons of CO2 emissions avoided, highlighting the environmental benefits of reuse.
2.5 million CHF saved, reducing reconstruction costs for Ukrainian communities.

Beyond material aid, RE-WIN has raised awareness about circular reconstruction through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural exchanges with, among others, Ukrainian refugees, thus strengthening ties between Switzerland and Ukraine. These efforts have brought the organization closer to its goals of integrating reuse into regional crisis recovery strategies, fostering a culture of resource care, and promoting the preservation of natural resources.

Future Goals
In the coming year, RE-WIN aims to expand its focus to include additional reusable materials, establish circular material supply chains and build up capacity for circular de/reconstruction, while continuing to support Ukraine’s recovery through:

Establishing reuse as a core component of reconstruction.
Promoting closed material cycles to reduce waste.
Advocating for sustainable practices in rebuilding efforts.

Members and Contact

re-win.ch

Felix Dillman
Architect, General Manager of RE-WIN / ETH Zürich
Email: f.dillmann@re-win.ch
General inquiries: info@re-win.ch

CO-HATY: Housing Solutions for Displaced Ukrainians

Mission and Context
CO-HATY, a social and affordable housing initiative by METALAB and Urban Curators, provides housing solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in western Ukraine. By repurposing abandoned buildings rather than constructing new ones, CO-HATY ensures that reconstruction efforts are both sustainable and socially inclusive. The project not only provides shelter but also restores dignity and quality of life to those who have lost their homes due to war.

Approach and Impact
CO-HATY employs a circular approach to housing:

Resource Efficiency: Furnishing homes with second-hand furniture, kitchen items, and other essentials donated by charities.
Local Sourcing: Procuring materials locally to reduce carbon footprints and support the wartime economy.
In-House Production: Utilizing METALAB’s Makerspace “Pole” in Ivano-Frankivsk and local suppliers to produce or repair furniture and construction elements.

By repurposing materials and minimizing waste, CO-HATY saves nearly 50% of embodied energy compared to traditional construction methods. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the economic recovery of local communities.

Achievements by 2024
The CO-HATY team has successfully completed seven dormitory-style projects, providing approximately 1,500 living spaces in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions. Currently, the team is working on two municipal social housing buildings with 40 apartments in the Khmelnytska and Vinnytska regions, as well as a groundbreaking project in the Ivano-Frankivsk region that will become the first affordable housing development with 50 apartments.

Planned Activities
Looking ahead, CO-HATY will focus on:

Fundraising: Securing resources to sustain operations and expand impact.
Educational Outreach: Engaging students and professionals in the development of innovative reuse solutions.
Research and Development: Conducting studies on Circular Construction, CO2 emissions and exploring new methods for material reuse.
Community Engagement: Strengthening ties between volunteers, residents, and local stakeholders through events and workshops.

Members and Contact

cohaty.org

Anna Dobrova, architect, Co-founder of NGO “METALAB” and Charitable Fund “CO-HATY” in Ukraine, member of RE-WIN, currently based in Basel, employed at CSD Ingenieur in the development of the Circular Economy department, anna.dobrova@metalab.space
Anastasia Ponomaryova, architect, Co-founder of NGO “Urban Curators” and Charitable Fund “CO-HATY” in Ukraine, former research fellow at ETH Zurich, ponomaryovashtefan@gmail.com.

Building a Sustainable Future for Ukraine

The Circular (Re)Construction cluster exemplifies the transformative potential of sustainable rebuilding. RE-WIN and CO-HATY demonstrate how circularity can address immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience in Ukraine. Together, these initiatives:

Highlight the importance of material reuse in reducing environmental impacts and reconstruction costs.
Support the integration of displaced individuals into communities, fostering social and economic recovery.
Promote collaboration between local and international partners to scale up sustainable rebuilding efforts.

By advancing these goals, the cluster not only contributes to Ukraine’s recovery but also sets a global example of how circular reconstruction can bridge borders with care for people and the planet.