Grunt

Grunt (UKR: кгрунтъ) investigated the potential of regenerative reconstruction in Ukraine using earth sourced from contaminated soils. Their aim was to address war-related environmental pollution, making its remediation an integral part of reconstruction and engaging architects in the effort. Central to the project was promoting multidisciplinary cooperation networks and developing guidelines that can be applied to other post-war contexts worldwide.

While rethinking earth as a local material for climate-conscious reconstruction, the research bridged two critical concerns arising from post-war zones: the environmental consequences of warfare and the urgent need for reconstruction aligned with climate goals. They conducted soil sampling in the Kharkiv region, focusing on sites affected by military activity but located far enough from urban areas to isolate contamination sources.

Grunt presented two different strategies: the Encapsulation Strategy focuses on designing and building elements that securely contain contaminated materials. A key example is a filter house prototype, encircled by a rain garden with a subsurface system that slowly filters contaminants from its exterior walls. In contrast, the Dilution Strategy blends polluted soil with cleaner secondary raw materials to balance structural integrity with safe contamination levels.

This raises further questions: how do different countries define acceptable contamination, and what does that mean for rebuilding?

Anna Pomazanna and Mykhailo Shevchenko explore together new modes of architectural production. They are deeply engaged in the transformation of Ukrainian architectural education, while experimenting with new approaches to confront the pressing challenges of wartime and ecological crisis. On the one hand, Anna has been working on large-scale projects, ranging from reconstruction of public buildings to urban planning proposals for post-industrial transformation areas. Mykhailo, on the other hand, has been deeply engaged with materiality and construction techniques and research. Together they focus on discovering new sustainable building methods amidst the crisis, applying their skills and knowledge to navigate the specificities of Ukraine’s local context and conditions. They are Lecturers at Kharkiv School of Architecture and co-founders of the NGO Circular Laboratory, where they foster and introduce сircular practices, decarbonization, local materials and technologies, energy efficiency, reuse and recycling into education and practice.