Materiale de constructii obtinute din deseuri

Cantitatile importante de deseuri si de produse secundare rezultate in urma

diverselor procedee de fabricatie devin o amenintare din ce in ce mai serioasa
pentru mentinerea echilibrului ecologic al planetei.

Utilizarea acestora pentru obtinerea de noi produse care sa isi dovedeasca utilitatea reprezinta o
solutie partiala la problemele legate de mediul inconjurator.
Panouri pentru constructii pe baza de material plastic reciclat si celuloza
Cantitatea de deseuri generata zi de zi pe tot globul a devenit una dintre cele mai ingrijoratoare
probleme cu care se confrunta in prezent omenirea. Daca folosirea deseurilor organice drept
ingrasamant reprezinta o optiune pentru a evita suprasaturarea mediului inconjurator cu
substante nefolositoare, in privinta resturilor din material plastic, de exemplu, lucrurile sunt ceva
mai complicate. Exista insa idei revolutionare care promit sa rezolve problema excesului de
deseuri din material plastic. Una dintre acestea se refera la obtinerea unui material viabil de
constructii, dintr-un amestec de deseuri plastice si celuloza rezultata in urma diverselor procese
tehnologice. Inainte de a fi amestecate, celuloza si materialele plastice sunt supuse unor
operatiuni de maruntire, urmate de macinare. In compozitia acestui material mai intra un liant
special, mixtura putand fi supusa ulterior unor tratamente termice si sub presiune. In functie de
tipurile de material plastic si de celuloza folosite la obtinerea compozitiei, amestecul trebuie
supus unor diverse valori ale temperaturii, cuprinse in intervalul 137 260C. Pentru varianta
amestecului obtinut la rece, ingredientelor principale trebuie sa li se adauge un liant aditional,
cum ar fi ceara sau sacaz, care sa faciliteze solidificarea materialului. Panourile fabricate in acest
mod se pot folosi drept material pentru izolatii termice si fonice sau drept piese de ranforsare
pentru diferite elemente de constructii, in combinatie cu materiale metalice sau fibre de sticla.
Mai mult decat atat, materialul obtinut pe baza amestecului de plastic si celuloza poate fi folosit
si pe post de combustibil.
Argila cu adaos de
turte de masline folosita la fabricarea caramizilor
S-a constatat ca proprietatile argilei folosite in procesul de fabricare a caramizilor usoare pot fi
considerabil imbunatatite daca in compozitia acesteia se adauga produsele secundare rezultate in
procesul de fabricare a uleiului de masline. Integrarea acestui ingredient in structura argilei ii
influenteaza in mod direct densitatea si greutatea, facand-o mai usoara si mai poroasa. In
continuare, cercetarile legate de acest material au incercat sa determine cum si in ce masura
adaugarea turtelor rezultate dupa extragerea uleiului de masline afecteaza caracteristicile
caramizilor. Acestea au avut in vedere urmatoarele aspecte: felul argilei si al produsului secundar
oleaginos, analiza termica a comportamentului amestecului in timpul incalzirii si observarea
proprietatilor produsului supus actiunii termice folosind turte de masline in diferite proportii, de la
0, la 14 %. Scaderea greutatii si contractia in timpul incalzirii, rezistenta la incovoiere, absorbtia
apei, densitatea, porozitatea si conductivitatea termica sunt parametri ai caror valori s-a
constatat ca variaza in functie de adaosul de produs oleaginos, in timp ce eflorescenta si variatia
pH-ului apei distilate au ramas neschimbate. O diminuare considerabila a rezistentei materialului

a sugerat continuarea cercetarilor luandu-se in considerare un procent mai redus de produs

secundar oleaginos, mai mic de 7,4 %.
Materiale de constructie obtinute prin geopolimerizarea deseurilor industriale si a
silicatilor
de
aluminiu
Geopolimerii se caracterizeaza prin excelente proprietati fizico-chimice si mecanice, cum ar fi
rezistnta la foc, caldura si substante chimice, porozitate aparenta scazuta, rezistenta ridicata la
compresiune si incovoiere, cat si la ciclurile inghet dezghet, durabilitate pe termen lung. Toate
aceste calitati ii recomanda pentru a fi folositi cu precadere drept materiale atractive si
competitive pentru constructii. Geopolimerii obtinuti din minerale de tip silicati de aluminiu (de
exemplu, caolin) si deseuri solide industriale, cum ar fi cenusa de carbune, zgura metalurgica,
namol rosu (slam de bauxita), resturi din industria extractiva, prezinta o rezistenta la
compresiune mai mare de 40 MPa, o contractie scazuta (1%-3%), proprietati termice excelente
si o buna rezistenta la flacara. In ceea ce priveste aceasta din urma caracteristica, temperatura
masurata pe suprafata opusa celei de langa sursa de foc de 1000C a unui panou geopolimeric
cu grosimea de 10 mm atinge 200 - 400C dupa 60 de minute de expunere. Produsele finite
avand in compunere materiale pe baza de silicati din aluminiu sunt caracterizate prin costuri de
productie scazute, eficienta energetica (geopolimerii se intaresc la temperaturi relativ scazute) si
printr-o contributie importanta la sanatatea mediului, atat prin folosirea deseurilor la obtinerea
unor produse novatoare, compusii geopolimerici putand fi utilizati la imobilizarea deseurilor
toxice si radioactive, cat si prin reducerea emisiilor de noxe in timpul procesului de productie a
materialelor
geopolimerice
(fabricarea
cimentului
geopolimeric
implica
emiterea cu 80% mai putin
bioxid de carbon decat in
cazul obtinerii cimentului
Portland).
Prefabricate
pentru
constructii obtinute din
praf de roca si rasini
naturale
Supunand la temperaturi
foarte inalte un amestec
format din pulbere obtinuta
in urma procesului de taiere
a rocilor naturale si rasini
naturale, se pot obtine
materiale
prefabricate
pentru constructii sub forma
de caramizi, gresie etc.
Produsul
final
se
caracterizeaza
prin
rezistenta si durabilitate sporite.
Elemente de constructie tip blocuri de piatra si caramizi obtinute din sticla reciclata
Deseurile de sticla pot constitui materia prima pentru fabricarea unor elemente de constructie de
tipul blocurilor arhitecturale, tiglelor si caramizilor, produse avand aspectul si comportamentul
pietrei, dar beneficiind si de carcateristicile sticlei. Procesul tehnologic include metode pentru
tratarea suprafetelor pentru imbunatatirea proprietatilor mecanice si pentru a obtine efecte
decorative spectaculoase, in functie de culorile si de granulatia deseurilor din sticla

Termoizolaia cu celuloz prietena mediului

(Partea I)

Confortul termic a devenit o cerin important atunci cnd vine vorba de construcia unei case. Chiar i
legislaia prevede n mod explicit c orice cldire trebuie s aib un Certificat Energetic, fr de care
respectiva construcie nu va putea fi vndut sau nchiriat. n contextul dezbaterilor actuale dar i al
ngrijorrii specialitilor pentru ncalzirea global, folosirea produselor cu un impact ct mai mic posibil
asupra mediului nconjurator devine doar o chestiune de bun sim pentru fiecare dintre noi.
Termoizolaiile pe baz de celuloz sunt o soluie ecologic i practic.
Izolaia pe baz de celuloz a aprut n America anilor 1920. n 1928, hrtia reciclat era pus n oper
cu ajutorul unei maini de suflat, special conceput pentru acest tip de lucrare. n Romnia hrtia era des
folosit nainte de 1989 la izolaia dintre perete i tocul ferestrelor, unde acum se folosete spuma
poliuretanic. Meterii comuniti umpleau aceste goluri cu ambalajele sacilor de ciment sau chiar cu
ziare, dup care finisau n jurul ferestrei.
ntre timp, lucrurile s-au schimbat Dei n Romnia nc nu este popular izolaia celulozic, ea este o
metod care se folosete cu succes pe pieele nordice de zeci de ani, de exemplu n Finlanda, aceste
sistem este folosit de 25-30 de ani, iar circa 80% din casele finlandezilor sunt izolate astfel.

Aceast tehnologie a patruns la noi din 2003 i se dezvolt ncet-ncet, par ial din lips de informa ii, dar
i dintr-o oarecare reticen la nou. Celuloza este un foarte bun izolator termic.
Izolaia celulozic modern folosete ca materie prim hrtia de ziar reciclat, care este sortat, tocat
marunt i introdus apoi ntr-o moar de tocat care descompune hrtia pn la ob inerea fibrelor sale
brute, tratate apoi cu aditivi speciali pentru a cpta propriet i ignifuge sau protec ie fa de
duntori(insecte, oareci). Fibrele de celuloz sunt impregnate cu sare de bor pentru a le proteja de foc,
mucegai, insecte sau ali duntori. Sarea de bor este natural i nu duneaz omului sau mediului
nconjurator. Ea se regaseste, de exemplu, n canti i minime, n alimente ct i n lichidele pentru

lentilele de contact. Producia este supus celor mai severe criterii de calitate folosind tehnic german,
austriac i european.
Izolaia termic se poate folosi att pentru pere i, podele, ct i pentru tavane i acoperi uri, asigurnd
totodat o protecie fonic ridicat.
Izolaia celulozic poate fi proiectat pe orice fel de structur, iar de obicei este folosit la interior i la
mansarde. Avantajul ei este c fibrele de celuloz sunt suflate mecanic n locurile dorite printr-un furtun,
crend o saltea, care are aspectul lnii.
De asemenea, izolaia celulozic are avantajul c se instaleaz repede . De pild, o suprafa de 120 de
metri ptrai poate fi acoperit n 3-4 ore cu un strat de 10 centimetri, n func ie de complexitatea
structurii. Totodat, asigur un grad de umplere de 100% a suprafe elor.
Mai mult, costurile de nclzire sunt diminuate cu cel putin 25% n perioada iernii prin acest tip de izola ie,
n timp ce vara temperatura din cas este mai scazut cu cel pu in 5 grade dect n mod
obinuit. Caracteristicile acestui produs l fac ideal pentru folosirea n spaii precum golurile din perei n
case de lemn sau pe structur din metal. Fibrele de celuloza devin n constructia lor psloase, formnd o
saltea care se potriveste exact locului unde este a ezat.
Montajul este simplu: pe profilele fixate pe peretele exterior se monteaz un plastic special. Astfel, rezult
un perete dublu gol pe dinuntru, asemntor celor din gips-carton, n interiorul cruia se toarn
materialul celulozic. Performanele termice sunt similare cu ale polistirenului, dar preul este un pic mai
mare, din cauza tratamentului ignifug la care este supus hrtia reciclat. Astfel, un metru ptrat de
izolaie celulozic cost ntre 15 i 17 lei, n timp ce polistirenul se situeaz n jurul sumei de 10 lei. ns
un mare avantaj al celulozei este c produsul nu se taseaz n timp, deci performanele vor fi meninute
un timp ndelungat.
Disponibil sub form de blocuri sau pulbere fibroas, izolaia termic pe baz de celuloz este uor de
aplicat. Acest tip de izolaie poate fi fcut de orice persoan nzestrat cu puin sim practic i cu unelte de
mn care n general se afl n gospodria tuturor. Bineneles, utilizarea unei maini de suflat asigur o
calitate mai bun.
Spre deosebire de alte materiale izolante, celuloza nu este toxic, nu contine substan e nocive, nu
irit pielea, fiind considerat un material termoizolant simpatic.

LOCUL 10. Locuina din ANVELOPE UZATE

Milioane i milioane de anvelope ajung n depozitele pentru de euri n fiecare an, numai n SUA, ns
multe sunt salvate pentru a fi utilizate n mod creativ: construirea de locuin e i alte structuri. Anvelopele
uzate sunt un material de construcie incredibil de solid, care ajut la reinerea cldurii n timpul iernii i

pstrarea

cldirii

rcoroase

timpul

verii.

LOCUL 9. Locuina din STICLE RECICLATE

Nu aruncai sticlele goale de bere !!! Pot fi utilizate pentru a construi o cas ! Sau, poate, un absolut
uimitor templu budist din Thailanda. A fost nevoie de un milion de sticle de bere pentru a construi acest

templu, care reprezint o dovad c materialele reciclate pot fi folosite ca adevrate materiale de

construcii.
Datorit transluciditii, recipientele din sticl sunt de multe ori folosite n construc ia caselor, pentru a
spori iluminarea natural i pentru un efect de vitraliu.
LOCUL 8. Locuina din RESTURI DE METAL
Un proprietar a vzut un potenial imens de refolosire a resturilor de metal. Astfel, a pus n practic ideea
de a-i construi propria cas din metale folosite; ce a ie it este o capodoper modern din metal reciclat,
situat n nord-vestul oraului Toronto.O poart de metal ruginit, realizat dintr-un asiu de camion

vechi,

este

doar

parte

din

elementele

reciclate

pentru

construirea

locuin ei.

LOCUL 7. Locuina realizat din CARTON RECICLAT

O cldire de carton poate suna ca o structur fragil ceva ce ne-am atepta s gsim ntr-o suburbie
srac, nu ntr-un cartier suburban. ns un astfel de material ar putea fi folosit pentru construirea unor
adposturi de urgen ieftine. Arhitecii Stutchbury i Pape au dezvoltat un sistem de case fabricate din
carton, materiale 100 % reciclate, cu o membran impermeabil exterioar din material plastic. Rezultatul
este mai mult dect satisfctor !

LOCUL 6. Locuina din PALEI DE LEMN

Paleii din lemn sunt pretutindeni, aruncai n fiecare zi de ctre companiile care nu mai au nevoie de ei n
timpul transportului de mrfuri. Cum ar putea fi reutilizai ca material de construcie ? Ei bine, pale ii din

lemn sunt adesea nc n stare bun i pot fi u or asambla i, n diverse construc ii, spre exemplu, pentru
construirea exterioarelor din dorina de a filtra lumina soarelui. Iat un exemplu de locuin a construit din

paleii de lemn.

Heineken WOBO - sticla caramida

Un interesant concept de reutilizare a recipientelor de plastic a fost prezentat de ctre Heineken n 1963.
Denumit World Bottle sau prescurtat WOBO, ideea este remarcabil de simpl dar practic, fiind vorba
despre pet-uri de bere n form de paralelipiped, care se mbinau aproape perfect ca nite crmizi. Astfel
recipientele puteau cpta dup golire o a doua utilizare ca material de construcii, n special n zonele

srace ale lumii.

Compania columbiana Conceptos Plasticos a identificat doua probleme

importante cu care lumea se confrunta in acest moment si a decis sa le
rezolve folosind materiale de constructie reciclabile. Una din problemele
majore este lipsa uitatilor locative pentru familiile cu venituri mici, o
situatie cu care se confrunta America Latina unde cel putin 80% din
populatie locuieste in zonele urbane. A doua problema este cresterea
exponentiala a deseurilor din plastic ce ajung sa sufoce gropile de
gunoi, centrele de reciclare fiind depasite de cantitatile impresionante.

Pentru combaterea acestei situatii, echipa de specialisti de la Conceptos Plasticos a decis sa refoloseasca
materialele plastice pentru crearea unui nou produs: o caramida asemanatoare celor tip LEGO, care sa poata fi
folosita in construirea de noi case.

Specialistii de la Conceptos Plasticos au lucrat impreuna cu comunitatile locale pentru colectarea deseurilor din
plastic si cauciuc, instruindu-i de asemenea pentru a putea folosi caramizile rezultate in construirea de locuinte.
Modulele sunt usoare si se pot asambla fara adezivi astfel ca si fara cunostinte de specialitate localnicii pot sa
construiasca adaposturi, sali de clasa, sali de intruniri si bineinteles case. Pentru construirea unei case pentru o
familie este nevoie de doar patru persoane care vor termina munca in cinci zile. Acest produs eficientizeaza la maxim
costurile de constructie, timpii de executie si reduce semnificativ cantitatea de deseuri din plastic.

Specialistii au gandit acest sistem astfel incat cu ajutorul caramizilor sa se poata realiza constructii intr-un timp
record, dar care in egala masura sa reziste la fenomenele meteo si dezastrele naturale. In procesul de fabricatie
specialistii au adaugat un aditiv care transforma complet materialul si il face ignifug.

Compania declara ca, in urma studiilor si calculelor facute, aceste caramizi din plastic reduc cu 30% costurile unei
cladiri daca e sa comparam cu un sistem traditional. In acest fel, o casa standard poate sa ajunga sa coste undeva la
5.200 de dolari.

Este adevarat ca aceste caramizi de plastic vor ajunge sa se degradeze in mod natural dupa 500 de ani, dar in acest
moment ele reprezinta solutia pentru cei care nu isi permit sa cumpere o casa traditionala sau pentru cei care fug din
calea crizelor economice si a dezastrelor.

In 2015 acest produs a reusit sa ajute 42 de familii sinistrate in urma violentelor din Columbia, iar echipa de la
Conceptos Plasticos a ajutat la construirea unui hostel pentru acele familii, cladire care poate fi oricand demontata si
reconstruita in alta locatie, daca vor fi fortati sa se mute in alta zona.

Meet the Winners of the First Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Challenge
ARCHITECTURE

11/18/2013

under Architecture, Green Building, Green Design Competitions, Green

Materials, Innovation
0 Comments

by Nicole Jewell

VIEW SLIDESHOW

The Winners of the first Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Challenge were announced this
weekend at the Institutes Innovation Celebration in New York City. Organized by the Cradle to
Cradle Products Innovation Institute and the Make It Right organization, the contest
challenged sustainable product manufacturers to rethink and retool building materials in order
to follow the full cycle of sustainable and affordable product design, manufacturing and
consumption. Four of the ten finalistschosen earlier this year were selected to share $250,000 in
cash prizes for thoughtful new products that truly embody the Cradle to Cradle message. Hit the
jump for a look at this years winners!

First Place: bioMASON

biobrick

BioMASONs biobrick might bring about the end of traditional brick manufacturing as we
know it. Biobricks production method uses bacteria to produce natural cement within an
aggregate mix. All of the materials used in its production are globally abundant and can be
extracted from various waste streams. Made in ambient temperatures, the cementation process

takes less than five days to form and the resulting product is almost identical in terms of cost and
quality of traditional masonry bricks.

Second Place: Ecovative

Mushroom Insulation

Looking to replace traditional (and sometimes hazardous) foam insulation, Ecovatives

mushroom insulation is a structurally rigid insulation made from natural products. The
mushroom insulation is made from a combination of agricultural by-products and fungal
mycelieum, a natural and self-assembling binder that gives the product its insulative properties.
Ecovatives mushroom insulation fully embodies the Cradle to Cradle sustainability model by
growing quality, toxin-free insulation to be safely used in home and commercial construction.

Third Place Tie: ECOR

Universal Construction Panels

ECORs sustainable building panels are a practical solution for anyone looking for low-cost,
full-cycle green building materials. The panels are made from waste cellulose fiber, a sustainable
material technology made from a ubiquitous raw material found worldwide. Additionally, the
panels are lightweight, compact and designed for easy assembly.

Third Place Tie: ROMA Domus

Mineral Paints

Domus Mineral Paints are interior paints made from all natural products. The paints are
washable, toxin-free, free from asthmagens, hypoallergenic and permeable. Additionally, the
paint composition prohibits bacteria growth from mold and absorbs CO2. Easy application
makes for ideal use in commercial or residential areas, providing a practical and safe option for
creating healthy living and working environments.
A big congratulations to all of the winners of the competition and to the Cradle to Cradle
Institute, a true leader in the promotion of affordable green construction materials
Just because a house is built from trash doesn't mean it has to look like a dump. Ingenious
architects the world over have been challenging themselves to make spectacular houses
out of recycled materials.
Check out eight projects that combine brilliant design with resourceful use of materials:

Cano's Castle

In the town of Antonito, Colo., gleam the spires of a majestic abode made almost entirely
from recycled and reused materials. Its creator, Donald Espinosa, claims to have found
inspiration to build the unique structure from the one-two punch of Jesus and marijuana.
The structure is made from aluminum cans, hubcaps, glass, rocks, scrap metal, boards and
(we can only assume) lots of duct tape.

It took the Espinosa nearly 20 years to make the four-building structure, construction of
which is still going on today. As the story goes, the Vietnam veteran was living at home
when his mother complained about the large pile of beer cans that was accumulating.
Espinosa resourcefully decided to take care of both issues at once. He has also been
known to claim that God built the structure and that the day of reckoning is near. Even if
he's right, we're not sure we would take refuge in that hodgepodge when the floods hit.

Keycard Hotel

To mark its relaunch, Holiday Inn decided to build an entire lobby and guest room from the
distinct green-and-white plastic cards that serve as entry keys. The promotional, functional
hotel rooms were built by Bryan Berg, who is apparently the world card-stacking champion,
provided that such a thing actually exists. We hope the room is nonsmoking, because the
fumes from those plastic cards heating up can't be good for his health.

The New York hotel stayed open only for a few days, serving as a hip way to promote the
brand's makeover (but not to promote any sort of other green efforts on the part of the
chain). But it's good to note that hotels are taking steps to reduce the waste caused by PVC
keycards, since millions are used every year.

Palletten House

Made from 800 recycled wooden pallets, this life-sustainable structure provides a nice
glimpse at the future of low-income housing. Its creators, Andreas Claus Schnetzer and

Gregor Pils, are working with the South African government to create an efficient model that
is estimated to cost only $11 per square foot.

The construction has plenty of room for insulation, plumbing, electrical conduits and, of
course, more structural support. Winning several international awards for resource-saving
design, the building often finds itself "on tour" through many countries. In fact, the design
has already been given a modern styling, as seen in the beautiful house below.

Beer Bottle Buddhist Temple

Fans of beer architecture will recall that, 50 years ago, Heineken tried to make a beer bottle
that could be used as a construction block. The creators of that bottle would have had a Zen
experience gazing upon the Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew temple in the Thai province of
Sisaket.

The structure has more than a million brown and green bottles. Reports state that the
washrooms and crematorium are even fashioned out of beer bottles. Wait, crematorium?
Certainly burning dead bodies in a homemade bottle room can't be all that safe. Also, that
crematorium must reek of beer every time it heats up.

House Barn

Anyone who's driven the rural countryside has probably seen dilapidated barns dotting the
farmscape. Lately, architects have been finding ways to turn these old buildings into trendy,
if lofty, homes. Still others have made more pragmatic approaches to recycling barns by just
using part of the structure, as in the case of this eye-popping guesthouse.

Of even greater use can be the barnboards that make up the building. Often, barns are torn
down and used to wall new houses at low cost to both the owner and the environment.
There's even a company that specializes in restoring old barns for use as human lodging.

Redondo Beach House

Lots of affordable housing has been made from converted shipping containers, but none
has looked as spectacular as this shoreline house in Redondo Beach, Calif. The designer is
actually a high-end, classy Manhattan firm, but their reuse of shipping containers illustrates
that recycled housing can be beautiful.

The company has gone on to build attractive community centers, low-income housing and
spectacular residences from shipping containers. But the jewel of its collection remains the
stunning beach house. It was the first two-story house designed from recycled shipping
containers to confirm to housing code.

Keetwonen

The city of Amsterdam decided to try something new when designing a new block of student
housing. On the theory that students don't really care much about aesthetics or space, each
apartment was built into a shipping container. What resulted is now the largest container city
in the entire world. The complex turned out to be overwhelmingly popular with those
seeking housing during time at a university.

Despite the blocky exterior, the apartments inside manage to be functionally spacious. Each
unit has its own bathroom and shower, as well as a separate bedroom. There are more than
1,000 units in the large complex, each one even sporting the luxury of a private balcony.
Integrated into the center is a supermarket, making this an ideal residence for the students
of the future.

Amelot

With recycled housing becoming more and more aesthetically pleasing, it's fun to take a
glimpse into the future of the industry. The AME-LOT building plan for Paris will combine
recycled wooden pallets with a funky architectural layout. The designers, Malka Architects,
have promised that the project will end up generating a net pollution of zero.

Naturally, these hinge-connected pallets won't be insulated, so an insulation system will

have to be added. However, it is speculated that the cost of putting in insulation is far
exceeded by the cost of building a building without recycled materials. All of the pallets will
come from salvage; no new fabrication will be used.

If these spectacular places are any indication, then eco-housing has forged a brilliant path.
Perhaps someday soon we can gaze upon majestic skyscrapers constructed from similar
methods of using recycled materials.

image: http://cdn3www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housesmain.jpg

Waste materials that are reclaimed for new structures can be as simple as a
bunch of stacked tires or a boat thats no longer seaworthy, or as complex as old
stone bricks re-sculpted to look like new. They can be roughly cobbled together
into rustic cabins, or masterfully incorporated into stunning modern residences
along with new materials. Sometimes theyre left as-is, their signs of age
providing a sense of history, and sometimes theyre processed into something
that leaves no hint of their origins. These 10 recycled building materials were
saved from the landfill and transformed into the following 30 green homes, and
many more around the world as like-new materials

Bottles & Cans

image: http://cdn3www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-houses-bottlesand-cans.jpg

(images via: treehugger, inhabitat, green upgrader, beercanhouse.org)

To some, theyre junk, but to others, discarded bottles and cans can be the main
materials of a recycled home. Flattened tomato tins were turned into protective
exterior tiles on a mountain home in Patagonia, and one million brown and
green beer bottles were formed into an absolutely breathtaking Buddhist temple
in Thailand. The Beer Can House in Houston, Texas was was crafted over 18
years out of 39,000 cans of beer. The cans were cut up and applied to just about
every surface, used as siding, decorative trim and fencing. Plastic bottles were
used to build a schoolhouse in San Pablo, Philippines, resulting in a structure
thats three times stronger than concrete.

Ships & Boats

image: http://cdn2www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-houses-shipsboats.jpg

(images via: strangebuildings.com, sea-fever.org, mr38)

Decommissioned ships and boats can be brought on land and transformed into
unusual residences that become the talk of the town. While its looking a little
worse for the wear, The Ship House of Dalmatia, Croatia is certainly a creative

example of a recycled house. The sight of The Ship Residence, top right, might
just cause you to run your own boat aground as you stare. Located on South
Bass Island in Lake Eerie at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, the home consists of a former
Great Lakes Shipping Boat that was built by Henry Ford and saw 50 years of
service before it was moved onto the lot. Or, you could just craft recycled wood
into an amazing house that just looks like a ship.

Glass Panels & Windows

image: http://cdn1www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-houses-glasspanels-windows.jpg

(images via: plentyofcolour, design squish, inhabitat)

Recycled glass windows, plexiglass panels and even waste glass are
transformed into light-filled homes. Kolonihavehus by artist Tom Fruin may not be
a functioning house, but its certainly a source of inspiration for people looking to
build green reclaimed houses; its made entirely out of used plexiglass panels,
which the artist colored to create a stained glass effect. Another home in
Freetown Christiania, a commune in Copenhagen, was built in the 60s using
reclaimed windows bet theyve never had to turn on a light in the daytime. And
finally, though it might not be pretty, the bottom house is an inexpensive modular

home with a build time of less than a week that was made from processed waste
glass.

Barns
image: http://cdn2www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-houses-barnsfarms.jpg

(images via: scdlp.net, trendir.com)

With cities expanding ever outward, farms are fewer and farther between but
that doesnt mean that big beautiful barns should just be torn down. Many
barns have been turned into stunning, spacious private homes, whether by
simply insulating them and adding utilities or by completely disassembling the
wood and crafting it into something new. Belgiums reclaimed barn house, top,
maintains the traditional shape of the barn it was made from, with lots of new
glass and a fully functioning shutter facade for natural light and ventilation.
Below, the heavy beams of a dairy barn were separated to form slats that protect
rippled glass walls, making a formerly dense structure seem light and airy.

Shipping Containers
image: http://cdn1www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housesshipping-containers-crates.jpg

(images via: containercity, astorideponti.it, dornob)

Compact, stackable and found in great abundance all over the world, shipping
containers are an ideal material for building homes and other structures. While
they used to sit abandoned in shipyards once their short 5 years in use were
over, now theyre configured into houses small and large. Individual shipping
containers with pre-cut openings are simply lifted by crane and dropped onto
each other in a pre-determined design. There are lots of DIY used shipping
container house plans for those interested in giving this cheap, eco-friendly
building material a shot.

Grain Bins
image: http://cdn1www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-houses-grainbins-silos.jpg

(images via: dornob, natural home magazine, gruenhomesteadinn.com)

Strong and sturdy, grain silos form the basis of round houses, left rustic or given
a contemporary touch. Two silos were joined by a hallway to form a home in the
rural American Midwest; another forms the main internal structure for a home in

Greensburg, Kansas. The silo has been disguised in the latter home, so you
would never even guess that its there. At the Gruene Homestead Inn in Texas, a
front porch gives a silo used as guest chambers a homey feel.

Tires
image: http://cdn2www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housestires.jpg

(images via: globalgiving.com, earthship.net, makingthishome)

Tires are the main building component of ecological houses known as

earthships. These homes, common in the deserts of the United States, are also
ideal as low-cost housing in third world countries. Tires are plentiful and, when
packed with mud, provide thermal mass to regulate the buildings internal
temperature. They are often plastered over with a mud mixture that resembles
adobe, though sometimes, theyre left visible. The top image shows a school in
construction in Guatemala; the second depicts a wall in a Virginia earthship. The
third image illustrates how tires have been used to make strong, inexpensive
houses in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Pallets
image: http://cdn1www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housespallets.jpg

(images via: loftenberg, tinyfreehouse, inhabitat)

Did you know that shipping pallets are often made of hardwood? Once theyre
used a few times to transport heavy loads, theyre cast aside, but this wood can
make up the building blocks of a home. In Curacavi, Chile, a large modern home
was given cladding made of pallets painted white, which provide natural cooling
and ventilation, and let in light. Unmodified pallets could even be used to create
quick and cheap disaster housing, used for everything from the front deck to the
furniture inside. The modular Paletten Haus, designed by two students from the
University of Vienna for a sustainable architecture competition, is modular and
energy efficient; the students are working on smaller, similar designs that could
be built for just $11 per square foot.

Reclaimed Wood
image: http://cdn3www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housesreclaimed-wood.jpg

(images via: ethanhc, dornob, designmilk)

Reclaimed wood from various sources including demolished structures can add
character and a sense of history to a home, whether it is used as an accent
among more modern materials or as the main event. The Treehouse of Hyeres,

top left, was made of wood and found objects and is clearly rustic in style; the
reclaimed wood still retains the varying shades of tint and paint. Alternately,
reclaimed wood makes up the core structure of a home which was finished with
paler, newer wood for a beautiful contrast. The third home, also made of mixed
new and used wood, achieves a similar effect.

Stone
image: http://cdn1www.webecoist.momtastic.com/assets/uploads/2011/07/recycled-housesstone.jpg

(images via: feildenfowles.co.uk, dezeen, mauelribeiroarchitect.com)

Recycled scraps of slate from buildings no longer in use were reclaimed for both
the roof and the north facade of the Ty Pren residence in South Wales (top). A
crumbling stone villa in Portugal was rebuilt, the time-worn stone blocks
juxtaposed with new wood and glass for a modern look, in a luxury country villa
conversion by Manuel Ribeiro. The beauty of stone is that it can be carved back
into new-looking bricks if an aged look is not desired. British architect John
Pawson used reclaimed stone to create The House of Stone in Milan, which
appears brand new.
SHARE ON FACEBOOKSHARE

Read more at http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2011/07/11/30-eco-chic-houses-made-of-10-types-ofrecycled-materials/#uGXRV6B7fYfSTdkb.99

Second Life: Using Recycled Materials For Architecture

e
i
k
G
g
f
Comment

Luke Barley Second Life: Using Recycled Materials For Architecture

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, If all the dimensional lumber

used to build the 1.2 million new homes constructed in the United States each year were
laid end to end, it would extend 2 million miles, the equivalent of going to the moon and
back six and a half timesa sobering statistic that doesnt include other building
materials.
Dutifully sorting waste, separating the metal and plastic from the paper for
different recycling streams is part of modern life. Some areas even have food
waste collection for community compost.

Architects and designers are taking notice of the opportunities offered by

recycling and reuse. Using salvaged materials not only has a positive
environmental impact by reducing waste, it also offers architects materials
typically unavailable, such as old growth lumber.
Here are some prescient products and projects using recycled materials for
architectural purposes.

Origma Hut, Gary Warner, Sydney, Australia

All materials for this project were brought in a utility vehicle 3 miles down a rough road.
The sandstone piers are reused, and the insulation for the building comprises old
woolen blankets.

Eco_Alabaster by Ceramica Fioranese by Ceramics of Italy

These floor and wall tiles use nearly 50% recycled material in the
manufacturing process, resulting in a beautiful, ecologically sound product.

Cook Park Amenities, Fox Johnston, Sydney, Australia

The building at Cook Park collects rainwater to use for toilets and other
amenities. The facade is clad with recycled materials from the surrounding
area.

Urban Retreat by Interface

Nine styles of flooring arranged according to patterns, including one that
evokes moss-covered rocks on the forest floor. 80% of the material used to
fabricate the flooring is recycled, with an impressive 30% of that being postconsumer.

Reall by Carlotta de Bevilacqua, Paolo Dell'Elce by Artemide

The aluminum used in the manufacture of this refined, elegant lamp is
recycled.

Maunu Residence, Fung + Blatt Architects, Inc., Altadena, US

Using recycled glass, hardiboard, corrugated steel, and redwood, this understated
pool/guest house incorporates sliding doors and an open-floor plan, blurring the
distinction between exterior and interior spaces.

Murcia by Refin by Ceramics of Italy

This unique flooring tile is manufactured incorporating 20% post consumer

recycled glass from cathode ray television sets and monitors.

Shed No. 8841, Ben Lepley Ed Henry, Tucson, US

The steel cladding and wood used in this project are completely recycled and
reused.

Hanil Visitors Center & Guest House, Nicholas Locke, Maepo, KR

The entire goal of this project is as a built example of ways to recycle and reuse
concrete, one of the worlds most common building materials. The facade is made with
both gabion walls, as well as concrete cast with fabric.

greenfield living, minarc, Los Angeles, CA

The exterior panels of this home are fabricated using 30% recycled material. The
kitchen cabinetry and furniture is made using recycled automobile tires, providing an
imaginative and ecologically savvy design.
Using recycled materials in building is not completely mainstream in the field
of architecture. These examples show that being ecologically conscious
doesn't have to impact the design and aesthetic of building projects and
products.