Chicago Cube, «Chicago» residential complex, Kyiv, Ukraine

The entrance group of the residential complex is designed to impress guests and passers-by. The large-scale glass structure, close to the shape of a cube, is designed in such a way that even with its proportions, it excludes the use of aluminum support systems. This makes the entrance group light and aesthetically pleasing. 

The 12-meter-high glass ribs of the structure perform two functions: they absorb wind loads and serve as roof supports. The maximum dimensions of the glass elements are 5.3 x 2.8 meters. There are no frames or visible metal holders on the edges.

The installation began with glass ribs and beams. Each edge was assembled on site from several parts, placed in a vertical position and covered with a beam. The structure gains stability by installing double-glazed windows at the end of the ribs with a special glue. To fix the inner edges of the horizontal glass beams, vertical metal trusses were used to hold the cube's roof and screens, each weighing about a ton.

The Aestech engineers faced another challenge: to fasten the beams to the posts on the inside of the roof in a way that would not affect the overall aesthetics of the building. If it was done directly, as everyone else does, the structure would have looked too massive. Therefore, special lodgments were glued to the posts and beams, which greatly facilitated the appearance of the structure. 

It was also important to take into account the possible subsidence of the foundation and seismic activity. The structure could not be made too rigid. Subsidence would have created an additional load on the glass units with the risk of crushing them. The necessary flexibility of the structure was provided by three swing points: at the bottom and top of the cube, as well as near the walls of the building. 

The installation of the cube was completed with the installation of a glass roof. It has a slope on the building, which leads water into a special gutter and then into the drainage system. The roof also houses a weather station that records precipitation and temperature outside. The roof glass is heated so that snow does not accumulate on its surface in winter. 

In hot weather, it is cool and comfortable inside the cube. The double-glazed windows have high solar reflection characteristics, which minimizes the heating of the room. In addition, to avoid additional penetration of sunlight and protect the space from excessive heating, special tinted double-glazed windows were used for the roof of the cube.

Innovation, beauty, and energy efficiency are all embodied in the most recognizable element of Chicago Central House.

In 2022, the first international presentation of Aestech technologies occurred during the World Architecture Festival. It was the first time the world witnessed the capabilities of frameless glazing technology based on insulated glass units with higher stiffness. Aestech impressed festival attendees with its booth, featuring a massive all-glass arch as the central element.

In 2023, Aestech is once again introducing The Futureglass Prize at the World Architecture Festival 2023.

This special award at the festival will recognize the best projects using glass and innovative methods of its application in architecture. One of the seven projects shortlisted for The Futureglass Prize in 2023 will receive this special award.

Recall that Aestech is a manufacturer of insulated glass units with higher stiffness, which are the basis of Aestech's patented technology of frameless glazing of facades. The company is part of the international holding TECHIIA and was created as a result of the purchase of PROJECTS ENGINEERING CONSULTING GROUP, which has been manufacturing and installing large-format insulated glass units with higher stiffness for more than 10 years.