4 min read
4 min read
The concrete of the future
Wouldn't it be nice if your concrete structure never cracked?
Concrete is one of the most trusted and adaptable material inputs used in construction. Despite being considered a very durable and strong material, it is highly prone to cracking and erosion. Such limitations see that concrete is in fact not as a resilient material as first assumed. Generally, concrete structures are designed to allow small cracks which are considered to not be too detrimental to the building. But when these crevices become bigger, we start to see problems. Cracks in the structure create a path for potentially harmful substances to attack the concrete. As these substances reach the reinforcement it begins to corrode it, increasing the chances for structural failure.
So is there a way to increase the lifespan of concrete, preventing corrosion and making it more sustainable and resilient?
Topics: Structure Concrete
2 min read
Emerging Design: Breathing Skin
The Facade of the Future:
A Natural Way to Heat and Cool your Home
Topics: Emerging Design
6 min read
Emerging Materials: Water Splitting Solar Paint
Building, renovating or designing? How about transforming your roof or walls into energy producing surfaces? [1] [2] This has been made possible by researchers at Melbourne’s RMIT University . This new form of solar paint can be applied to almost any surface [3] [4] and is far more cost effective than installing and maintaining solar panels.
Topics: Emerging Materials
4 min read
Emerging Designs: Active design
Active Design is an evidence-based approach whereby physical activity is encouraged within a community development and/or dwelling. Based upon health research into the impact of physical exercise on combating obesity and other related health concerns, active design sees architectural design as a large-scale solution to improving “the physical, mental and social well-being of communities around the world”i
Topics: BESS Greenstar Emerging Design
3 min read
Emerging Materials: Grasscrete
Reducing the Heat Island
How Grasscrete is Reducing the Heat Island Effect
Partially Concealed and Stone Filled Mix (http://www.sustainablepavingsystems.com)
Topics: Emerging Materials
4 min read
Emerging Materials: Ferrock
Carbon Negative Future - Emergence of Carbon Negative Construction Materials
With the growing popularity of Ferrock manufacturing, the use of Ferrock material make it an attractive option to use. The Ferrock material has many uses for sustainability and represents a great alternative.
Topics: Emerging Materials
4 min read
Emerging Materials: Recycled Plastic
Recycled Architecture
Sustainable Design Through Recycling
Topics: Emerging Materials
5 min read
Emerging Materials: Mycelium Brick
The Future is Biodegradable
Development of Bio-fabricated Materials in the Construction Industry
Hy-Fi, Queen, NY, The Living, 2014 (http://www.thelivingnewyork.com)
Topics: Emerging Materials
3 min read
Emerging Materials: Thermo Bimetals
In the ever evolving field of architectural design, new and exciting materials are being created in order to reduce the energy used by a building but not limit their ability to considerably heat or cool a building.
