Honoring Innovation: Igor Ustinov, Inventor of WaterRoofs and UHCS, Joins Jury at Geneva Inventions Expo

Visionary behind Climate-Positive roofing, jury member at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, world's leading innovation event

We are proud to announce that Igor Ustinov, the inventor of WaterRoofs and co-founder of the Ustinov Hoffmann Construction System (UHCS), has been invited to serve as a jury member at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva held the 9th to the 13th April 2025 in Geneva Palexpo. This recognition highlights Igor's unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and the global impact of his work in climate-integrated design.

A Multifaceted Innovator

Born in London in 1956 to renowned actor Sir Peter Ustinov and Canadian actress Suzanne Cloutier, Igor Ustinov has carved a unique path that blends art, science, and environmental advocacy. He studied sculpture at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the mentorship of César Baldaccini, a leading figure in the Nouveau Réalisme movement. Concurrently, he pursued studies in biology at Paris VII and trained as an opera singer at the Paris Conservatoire. This diverse educational background has profoundly influenced his holistic approach to innovation.

Pioneering Sustainable Construction with UHCS

In response to the global challenges of housing shortages and plastic waste pollution, Igor co-founded UHCS, a revolutionary construction system that utilizes upcycled PET plastic to create modular building structures. Each 50m² UHCS house repurposes approximately 355,000 PET bottles, diverting significant plastic waste from landfills and reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 81% compared to traditional concrete construction. The system's modular design allows for rapid assembly and adaptability to various architectural styles, making it a viable solution for sustainable housing worldwide.

WaterRoofs: Merging Architecture with Ecology

Building upon his commitment to environmental sustainability, Igor developed WaterRoofs, an innovative roofing system designed to reintegrate buildings into the natural water cycle. These roofs mimic the evapotranspiration process of forests, releasing up to 750 liters of water per square meter annually back into the atmosphere. This mechanism helps mitigate urban heat island effects, supports local precipitation cycles, and contributes to overall climate resilience.

Recognized Leadership in Innovation

Igor's inventive contributions have garnered international acclaim. In 2017, the UHCS concept was awarded the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA) Cash Prize for Best Invention at the Geneva Inventions Expo. His role as a jury member at this year's expo underscores his standing in the global innovation community and his dedication to fostering sustainable solutions.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond his technological innovations, Igor is deeply committed to social causes. He co-founded the Sir Peter Ustinov Foundation, focusing on improving living conditions for children and young people worldwide through education and creativity. Additionally, he established the Ustinov Institute in Vienna, dedicated to studying and combating prejudice to promote social harmony.

Looking Ahead

Igor Ustinov's participation as a jury member at the Geneva Inventions Expo not only honors his past achievements but also signals a continued commitment to pioneering solutions at the intersection of art, science, and environmental stewardship. His multifaceted approach serves as an inspiring model for integrating creativity with practical solutions to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.