‘WASTE TO WORTH’- RECYCLING WASTE FOR AFFORDABLE

CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 1
1.1 Introduction:
India being a developing nation and the second most populous country in the world with
a current population of 1.3 billion, has been ranked amongst the top waste generating
countries in the world. Currently it produces 62 million tons of waste per annum and is
likely to increase by 4% each year. Out of 62 MT of waste produced less than 60% of
the total waste is collected and only 15% of the waste is processed in a country which is
12 times as dense as the USA.

Fig 1.1 : India’s Contribution in global waste generation index.

Source : Varesk, Mapelcraft,2019.

Fig 1.2 : Relation between waste generated, Fig 1.3 : Graph showing amount of different types
collected and treated. Of wastes.
Source : Author Source : Author
As shown in Figure 1.2 , nearly 50% of the total waste is organic with the volumes of
recyclables and biomedical/hazardous waste growing each year as India becomes more
urbanised.
Building construction is the major contributor to the waste generation industry
contributing a considerably good amount to the total waste generated. Therefore the
idea of replacing our conventional constructional materials with waste materials to
maintain the balance should be encouraged to save our country from further landfill and
ocean pollution.
In today’s world with growing concerns on matters of environmental degradation we as
architects, it is our job to think out of the box and always be curious about finding
innovative techniques for construction keeping in mind the factors environment change
and its degradation. Waste architecture can be one small step towards saving the
environment and building with garbage might just be the future.

Fig 1.4 : Relation between waste collected and treated in different Indian cities.
Source : Dezeen Magazine.

“WASTE ARCHITECTURE” as we call it is the most recent effort to save the

environment by using our daily produced waste to lead an affordable as well as
sustainable living. The origin of the use of waste as a building material has been a very
common in the Indian society and majorly seen in slums. As many believe that the
waste is directly connected to the poor, they have shown us some creative though not
effective uses of waste materials. The inspiration was taken from the slums to use
waste materials as a building construction material.
The ultimate goal is to eliminate the very concept of “waste” and view it as a resource
which can have several uses in construction field and to increase its value in a way so
that there is no problem of waste management in India.

1.2 Aim: To explore the potential of reused and recycled waste materials in the
construction industry..

1.3 Objectives:
1. To study the available construction materials made of waste products.
2. To study how waste products are being reused and recycled as a construction
material.
3. To study the scope of plastic waste as a construction material.
4. To do a comparative analysis of reused and recycled materials with the
conventional sources.
5. To do a feasibility analysis of recycled and reused waste material through case
studies.

1.4 Hypothesis:
1. Can a building be entirely made of recycled waste materials?

1.5 Research questions:

1. Can construction material be made out of organic waste, which is 50% of the waste
generated?
2. Is the use of plastic in building material a solution to the unmanageable growth of
plastic waste?
3. Is construction materials made of waste products a better alternative to the
construction industry?

1.6 Scope and Limitation

1.6.1 Scopes of the research:
1. This dissertation includes a detailed analysis of work done using waste as a building
material and exploring the methods involved.
2. This will focus on ways to enhance the possibilities of waste architecture and
measures to spread its uses.
3. The scope of the study will be limited to the data collected and analysed according to
the various recycled materials used in design and construction.

1.6.2 Limitations of research:

1. The research will be done on the prior research available on the topic.
2. The analysis of the existing structures will be few.

1.7 Research methodology:

● The first part of the research deals with data collection, it involves the study of
types of waste and waste management processes.
● Then we will be listing a few examples of existing and potential use of recycled
waste both organic and wet waste.
● The potential of plastic and its uses in construction field will be done in detail.
● A comparative analysis of the waste materials with the existing materials will be
done on defined parameters.
● Case studies will play an important role as it would serve as existing examples
where waste has been used in the construction field.
 CHAPTER 2
Waste: type and management.

2.1 Waste and its type:

Waste is unwanted or unusable materials. Waste is any substance which is discarded
after primary use, or is worthless, defective and of no use and with a zero or minimum
economic value.

TYPES OF WASTE:
1. Liquid Waste.

Liquid waste is commonly found both in households as well as in industries. This waste
includes dirty water, organic liquids, wash water, waste detergents and even rainwater.

You should also know that liquid waste can be classified into point and nonpoint source
waste. All manufactured liquid waste is classified as point source waste. On the other
hand, natural liquid waste is classified as non-point source waste.

2. Solid Rubbish.

Solid rubbish can include a variety of items found in your household along with
commercial and industrial locations.

Solid rubbish is commonly broken down into the following types:

● Plastic waste​ – This consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles and many other
products that can be found in your household. Plastic is not biodegradable, but
many types of plastic can be recycled. Plastic should not be mixed in with your
regular waste, it should be sorted and placed in your recycling bin.
● Paper/card waste​ – This includes packaging materials, newspapers, cardboard
and other products. Paper can easily be recycled and reused so make sure to
place them in your recycling bin or take them to your closest Brisbane recycling
depot.
● Tins and metals​ – This can be found in various forms throughout your home.
Most metals can be recycled. Consider taking these items to a scrap yard or your
closest Brisbane recycling depot to dispose of this waste type properly.
 ● Ceramics and glass​ – These items can easily be recycled. Look for special
glass recycling bins and bottle banks to dispose of them correctly.
If you still cannot grasp the concept of recycling, then an incredibly easy and efficient
way to dispose of solid rubbish is by hiring a Brisbane ​waste removal company​, like 4
Waste Removals, to take care of your recycling for you. We will remove all of your
rubbish and ensure it is disposed of properly.

3. Organic Waste

Organic waste is another common household. All food waste, garden waste, manure
and rotten meat are classified as organic waste. Over time, organic waste is turned into
manure by microorganisms. However, this does not mean that you can dispose them
anywhere.

Organic waste in landfills causes the production of methane, so it must never be simply
discarded with general waste. Instead, look to get a ​green bin from the Brisbane
council​, or hire a ​green skin bin​ or ​garden bag​ for proper waste disposal.

4. Recyclable Rubbish

Recyclable rubbish includes all waste items that can be converted into products that can
be used again. Solid items such as paper, metals, furniture and organic waste can all be
recycled.

Instead of throwing these items in with regular waste, which then ends up in landfills,
place them in your yellow recycling bin or take them to your ​local Brisbane recycling
depot​.

If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable or not, look at the packaging or the
diagrams on the lid of your yellow recycling bin. Most products will explicitly state
whether they are recyclable or not.

5. Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste includes all types of rubbish that are flammable, toxic, corrosive and
reactive. These items can harm you as well as the environment and must be disposed
of correctly. Therefore, I recommend you make use of a waste removal company for
proper disposal of all hazardous waste.
The table below describes the different types of waste and their sources:

TYPE SOURCES

Organic Food scraps, garden waste, wood, processed residue

Paper Paper scraps, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, bags, boxes,

wrapping paper, telephone books

Plastic Bottles, packaging, containers, bags, lids, cups

Glass Bottles, broken glassware, light bulbs, coloured glass

Metal Cans, foil, tins, railings, bicycles, ets.

Others Textile, leather, hospital waste, bio hazardous waste.

2.2 Waste management procedure in India:

Waste Management is the collection and disposal of solid waste. The process may
include waste reduction, recycling, reuse, transformation and conservation of resources.
Waste Management is carried out with the different methods that involve the fields of
expertise for each with a view to reduce its effect its impact on environment. Recycle
bins and litter bins are some of the products of the waste management that are very
effective in accumulating the waste for the purpose of recycling.

Now let’s talk about waste management system in India, according to the report from
the International solid waste association(ISWA) approx 1.86 billion tons of waste is
generated all over the world and major countries producing waste is China, America,
India.
The Management System in India Waste management market comprises of four
segments - Municipal Waste, Industrial Waste, Bio- Medical Waste and Electronic
Waste Market. All these four types of waste are governed by different laws and policies
as is the nature of the waste.
In India waste management practice depend upon
● actual waste generation,
● primary storage,
● primary collection,
● secondary collection and
● transportation,
● recycling activity,
● Treatment and disposal.
●
In India, municipality corporations play very important role in waste management in
each city along with public health department. Municipal Corporation is responsible for
the management of MSW generated in the city, among its other duties. The public
health department is responsible for sanitation, street cleansing, epidemic control and
food adulteration.

2.2.1 Disposal of waste:

Landfills :
Landfills are usually located in the urban areas, especially in the open space, where the
layers of solid waste are covered with soil. Landfills are normally created in the areas
where the large amount of waste is generated and need to be disposed off. The waste
or garbage is disposed off in the large pit dug in the ground. There may be chemicals or
unpleasant substances in the waste that need to be covered properly.
On the other hand, it also prevents the breeding of flies and mosquitoes over the
garbage. If the landfill is not designed properly it can unhygienic and very dangerous
too. So at the end of the day the cell is covered by the 3-6 inch thick layer of soil.
Although according to the researchers landfill can be very hazardous as it can
contaminate the underground water and soil and can lead to air pollution.

Incineration :
In the incineration plants recyclable waste is separated and the remaining is burnt in
large furnaces. When the process is completed only the ash is left at the end. During
the entire process the some of the ash which is left is highly concentrated of dangerous
toxins. The benefit of the incineration is that the ash which is left can be used in the
construction of roads. Incineration method is also called the Thermal treatment. It is the
most practical method of disposing hazardous waste such as biological medical waste.

Fig 2.2.1 Waste disposal at streets Fig 2.2.2 Landfill in Delhi.

Source : Google Source : Google
 CHAPTER 3
---Waste utilization in construction application---
3.1 Existing alternative uses of recycled waste in construction industry
3.1.1 Organic waste:
About 50% of the waste generated in india is organic waste which means biodegradable
waste. Most of them find their way to the landfill. So the challenge is to make the most
of this waste and finding out possibilities if such waste can be used as a construction
materials.
Some existing research of building material made of organic waste :
1) Newspaper wood: A material made out of newspaper which is as hard as wood
and with some coating can be made water and fire resistant. This material can be used
in place of “ wood” as a building material.

Fig 3.1.1.1 : Newspaper wood Fig 3.1.1.2 : Furniture made of newspaper wood
Source : Inhabitat.com Source : Inhabitat.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Fire resistant Time taking process.

Water resistant Poor chemical resistant

Can be recycled again Poor weather resistant

2) Mushroom walls: ​Researches have shown that under certain condition

mushrooms can be grown into wall insulators and packing material and has proved to
be better than asbestos.
 Fig 3.1.1.3 : Mushroom brick Fig 3.1.1.4 : Mushroom-crete
Source : Inhabitat.com Source : Inhabitat.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

100% Biodegradable material Water resistance decreases with time

Very good insulators Can’t be used in humid areas.

Water resistant Requires regular maintenance

Lighter than conventional materials.

3) Wine cork panels ​: They can be used for making wall and floor tiles. They are a
cheaper material though not very much durable but helpful to the environment.

Fig 3.1.1.5 : Wine cork- tile Fig 3.1.1.6 : Wine cork panel
Source : Inhabitat.com Source : Inhabitat.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Extremely low Cost Susceptible to damage

Good sound and heat insulators Devoid from heavy furniture and
appliance

Provides soft cushion Requires water sealing

Easy to installation and maintain Can fade in sunlight

4) Peanut shell boards : ​A low cost material used to make cheap partition boards
which are resistant to moisture and flame.

Fig 3.1.1.5 : Peanut shell board Fig 3.1.1.6 : application of peanut shell board
Source : Inhabitat.com Source : Inhabitat.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Good durability Cannot be used outdoors.

Good insulation material Not used in high humid areas

Recyclable Poor chemical resistance

Light weight Manufacturing is not easy

5) Rice husk ash concrete : The ash of rice husk can be mixed with cement to
reduce the need of fillers. ​Other uses are referred to its use as filler in polymer concrete,
green concrete or in production of green building materials.

Fig 3.1.1.7 : Concrete blocks

Source : Varesk, Mapelcraft,2019.

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Increases water resistance of concrete Usage requires burning of rise husk

Increases strength of concrete Cannot be used for large span

structures.

Improves chemical resistance of May increase transportation cost at

concrete. some places.
6) Banana leaves: ​Banana fruit and leaves are being used to make rugged textiles.
Bananas contain high strength fibre and have good acoustic absorption and durability​.
Banana leaf ash is mixed with concrete as a binder and with cement as a mortar. They
are also used for making furniture.

Fig 3.1.1.8 : banana leaf ash Fig 3.1.1.9 :box made of banana leaf
Source :scribd.com Source : scribd.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

High tensile and compressive Usage requires burning of leaves

strength

Good acoustic absorption Cannot be used for large span

structures.

Increases Durability May increase transportation cost at

some places.

7) Potato peels MDF boards : ​Peels can be cleaned and dried to create a low
weight, fire and water resistant insulation and acoustical absorber.

Fig 3.1.1.10 : Potato leaf MDF board from potato.

Source : Varidesk, Mapelcraft,2019.
 ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Low cost

Improved fire and water resistance

Good acoustic absorber

Increased Life span

3.1.2 Inorganic waste :

Typology of waste that cannot be decomposed through natural means is called

inorganic waste. Only a small portion of this type of waste is recycled and reused and
the rest of the waste is either dumped into our oceans or burned.

Further categorising the organic waste into several categories and some examples of
how they are being used.

3.1.2.1 INDUSTRIAL WASTE:

It is the waste produced by industrial activity which includes any material that is
rendered useless after its use in the industry.

Some existing research of building materials made of industrial waste :

1. Fly ash in ferro cement/concrete/bricks​:

Fig 3.1.2.1 : Fly ash bricks Fig 3.1.2.2 :Fly ash concrete block
Source :scribd.com Source : scribd.com
Fly ash has replaced the cement content up to 50% in the Portland cement and casted
the cubes of mortars and concrete. The fly ash has wider application in the production
of the cement. Nowadays all the industries are adding the fly ash 25% in the production
of the cement.

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Low cost Seasonal limitations

Improves durability Slower strength gain

Reduces water demand Longer setting time

Increases strength Colour variability

2. Red mud as bricks:

It is a waste product derived from caustic soda digestion of bauxite ore. Its application in
the construction agency is its use in a 50-50% proportion with clay for brick formation.

Fig 3.1.2.3 : Red mud bricks

Source :Indiamart.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Higher compressive strength May not be available everywhere

Good water absorption High transportation cost

Better fire resistance

Low cost
3. Copper slag as fine aggregate :
Copper slags have high toughness so that it has a possibility of replacing the fine
aggregates in cement and concrete.

Fig 3.1.2.3 : copper slag as aggregate

Source :Indiamart.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Increased in compressive strength May not be available everywhere

Reduction in amount of water used

Increased fire resistance

Decreased cost of project

3.1.2.2 PLASTIC WASTE

1. Roofing Tiles

A roof is an essential part of a house, so when it comes to home building, there have
been many innovations in roofing methodologies over the years. Using recycled
plastics to build roofing tiles is a great way to resemble other more expensive
materials, while providing the same high-quality you can expect with materials such as
slate.

Fig 3.1.2.1 : Roof tiles made of recycled plastic.

Source : Inhabitat.com
 ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Lighter material High-cost in initial setup of the industry

Easier, quicker installation May have diverse appearance

Low carbon footprint

Improves noise insulation

2. Plastic concrete
Recycled plastics can be used to make stronger concrete structures in the form
sidewalks, driveways and more. Students at MIT have recently conducted experimen
with recycled plastic by exposing small amounts of it to gamma radiation, mixing it into
powder and then mixing that into cement paste.
Doing so can produce concrete that is up to 15% stronger than regular concrete,
allowing this form of construction to be both longer-lasting and more eco-friendly.

Fig 3.1.2.2 : Plastic concrete Fig 3.1.2.3 : Plastic concrete

Source : news.mid.edu Source : news.mid.edu

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Lighter weight Strength of the concrete is reduced

More versatile to be molded into Melting point is low

different shapes.

Lesser production cost

Improved thermal and electrical

properties.
3. Indoor Insulation:

Insulation is another essential factor in homebuilding and buying because it keeps

your home’s temperature regulated all year-round.

Various insulation companies have begun developing insulation with recycled plastic
inside of it because only a minimum amount of plastic will maximize your home’s
energy efficiency levels.

Fig 3.1.2.2 : Recycled plastic insulation Fig 3.1.2.3 : Plastic insulation board
Source :acousticalinsulation.com Source :acousticalinsulation.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Lighter weight Poisonous gas after combustion

Easy insulation Poor material strength

Long term energy saving

4. Plastic Lumber

Using recycled plastic as the main ingredient in structural lumber as an alternative to

other materials such as steel, comes with indisputable advantages.
By using plastic to make lumber instead of wood, you no longer have to spray wood
with toxic preservatives to protect it from aspects such as insects and weather.
Rather, the polyethylene from recycled plastics does not necessitate such
requirements, and have now been used to make materials like picnic tables and
benches.
Fig 3.1.2.2 : Recycled plastic wood
Source :acousticalinsulation.com

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Resistant to water Cannot be used in hot climate areas.

Resistant to termites

Improves fire resistant

Increased durability

5. Bricks

Bricks are a stable material to build a home with, and more and more companies are
embracing the idea of building bricks with recycled plastic.
Recycled bricks can be put together in a LEGO-like way, making a home’s building
time much quicker than it would be with traditional brick. This plastic product can also
be fire-resistant, is cheaper, and, of course, is more eco-friendly.

Fig 3.1.2.2 : Recycled plastic bricks

Source :indiamart.com
 ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Light weight Cannot be used in hot climate areas.

High thermal insulation Can’t be used with normal mortar

Similar in strength of normal bricks

Cast be casted into any shape

6. Floor Tiles

The floor covering in your house is one of the most essential aspects in creating your
dream home, and it has become more common to utilize floor tiles that contain
recycled plastics.

Fig 3.1.2.2 : Plastic floor- tile Fig 3.1.2.3 : Plastic pavement tile
Source : news.mid.edu Source : news.mid.edu

ADVANTAGES LIMITATIONS

Low cost Cannot be used in hot climate areas.

Easy installation

Easy to clean
3.2.Secondary case study
3.2.1 Application of reusing the waste materials as construction
materials.
1. The Wheel Storey House, Ghanna.
Architec​t: Sammy Mensah Ansah
The ​Wheel Story House comprises 12 apartments cobbled together from a mishmash
of landfill-bound parts. Ansah completed his artistic masterpiece over fifteen years ago
in Accra, where he continues to ​upcycle Ghana trash in a bid to clean up the
environment.

Fig 3.2.1.1 : The Wheel Storey,house

Source : inhabitat.com

He was inspired by the smell of the wooden floor boards and decided to use the empty
spoon wheels, lying waste and create something beautiful and useful. He noticed that
not only the wood, even nuts and bolts are in good shape to be used again.

In contrast to the majority of Ghanian architecture, which is made from concrete,

Ansah’s house is mostly built from reclaimed wood. In addition to the main wooden
body, the house is built from an eclectic collection of scraps, from broken coffee cups
and toilet bowls to discarded electric spools and stones.
Fig 3.1.2.2 : Mosaic tiles used for decoration
Source : inhabitat.com

Fig 3.2.1.3 : tires used for decoration Fig 3.2.1.4 : Wooden wheels as furniture
Source : inhabitat.com Source : inhabitat.com

Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation -

Walls Broken stone pieces, old paving stones

wooden logs, broken tiles

Roof/ Floor Old wooden soda and beer crates.

Aesthetics List of wood with burnt tree slump

Furniture Wooden wheels

Other material. Bits of toilet bowls, broken coffee cups

Scrap metals.
2. SCRAP HOUSE, SAN FRANCISCO

Architect ​: Public Architects

Year of Completion ​: 2005
Area ​ : 110 sq m.

Fig 3.2.1.5 : Scrap House Fig 3.1.2.3 : Backside of the house

Source :archdaily.com Source : archdaily.com

This green demonstration home is built entirely of salvaged materials. Erected on the
Civic Center Plaza adjacent to ​San Francisco City Hall, ScrapHouse showcases the
creative use of previously discarded materials.

Some materials were re-invented for their intended purpose, such as a chandelier
using several discarded lamps. Other solutions present scrap in innovative ways. One
wall, composed of 500 old phone books stacked vertically, provides both insulation
and surface texture. Rethinking a standard single-family home, the ScrapHouse
facilitates design discussion and community awareness about the possibilities to
“reclaim, recycle and reuse.”

Exterior materials:
● Billboard Fence & Roof : The roof was made of vinyl billboards. The fence that
extended from the north wall was clad in the same vinyl billboards, folded into strips.
● Street sign siding : Street and traffic signs were used as siding for one of the
exterior walls, some of which was visible from the interior.
Interior finishes:
● Conveyor belt floor and walls-
Strips of conveyor belts were used as flooring in the hallway and also in walls

Fig 3.2.1.2.6 : Conveyor belt wall Fig 3.2.1.7 : Phonebook wall

Source :archdaily.com Source : archdaily.com

● Phonebook Walls: A wall made of 1,500 phone books stacked acting as an

insulation and helped with the acoustics of the space.
● Fire Hose Walls: Thick, yellow fire hoses covered the walls of an entire room.
● Tiled Leather Floor: Provided in the bedroom
● Traffic light chandelier :Designed by area artist this was made up of old traffic
light lenses.

Fig 3.1.2.8 : Interior of the house

Source :archdaily.com
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation Temporary plywood platform

Walls Discarded fire hose, Phone books,

Computer keyboards, conveyor belts

Cladding Street light siding, shower doors, scrap

of metal sheets

Roof/ Floor Tiled leather, conveyor belt

Aesthetics Chandelier old traffic light, cast of desk

lamps.

Other material.

A huge variety of materials has been used in this project. As it was a demonstration
house, most of the scrape was donated by organizations.
3. Brighton Waste House, Grande Parade, England
Architect : ​Duncan Baker Brown
Year of completion : ​April, 2014
Location : ​University of Brighton, England

Fig 3.2.1.9 : Brighton Waste house,England

Source : deezenmagz.com
It ‘s the U.Ks first permanent building constructed from rubbish. This facility will be used
as a community resource for hosting sustainability themed design workshop and events

● Foundations made from blast-furnace slag supporting a framework of salvaged

plywood beams, columns and timber joints obtained by a nearby demolished
house.
● Walls made with waste block work filled with materials such as 2000 floppy
disks, 4000 DVD cases, 20,000 used toothbrushes and 2 tons of denim offcuts
provided insulation and can be seen through transparent section built through
walls.
● 2000 used carpet tiles have been used as weatherproof cladding for the
exterior, while waste vinyl exhibition banners are wrapped around the house.
● Furniture design for the interiors included the cabinet displaying material
sample to explore ways of mixing waste with organic materials.
● Kitchen worktop was made up of second hand coffee grind and plastic coffee
cups.
● 500 cycle inner tubes were used to seal windows and sound- proof the first
floor.
● 10 sq. m of compressed recycled paper wood was used to make risers and
treads of the staircases.
● The wall along the staircase was built using ten tones of chalk spoil from a local
construction site.

Fig 3.2.1.10 : used cardboards Fig 3.2.1.11 : used jeans as a insulator

Source : deezenmagz.com Source : deezenmagz.com

Fig 3.2.1.12 :Used cassettes Fig 3.2.1.13 : Wall made of chalk spoils
Source : deezenmagz.com Source : deezenmagz.com

Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation Blast furnace slag

Walls Wall insulated with toothbrush,

floppy disks, DVD cases,
denim waste, chalk waste wall, polystyrene
from old packaging
Cladding Carpet tiles as weather-proof cladding, vinyl
exhibition banners.

Roof/ Floor Thick mcd, cycle tubes to seal windows, rubber

membrane for roof

Aesthetics Cabinet displays of various organic materials

Furniture Kitchen tops using used coffee grinds and

coffee cups.

Other material. Discarded plywood timber for structural

support. Newspaper wood for staircase
4. ​PET Pavilion, Netherlands

Architects ​ : Project.DWG​ & LOOS.FM

Location ​: Enschede, The Netherlands
Area ​ : 227 m2
Year of completion​ : 2014

Fig 3.2.1.12 : PET Pavillion, Netherland Fig 3.2.1.13 : Wall made of plastic bottles
Source : archdaily.com Source :archdaily.com

It is a temporary structure in a community park in The Netherlands that focuses on

issues of sustainable building, recycling, and waste by rethinking the ways that
buildings are developed, built, and used. Specifically, the pavilion is a study of the use
of plastic waste as a building material. Using the elevated framework of Ludwig Mies
van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, the structure consists of two monumental slabs in
a steel framework. “From floor to ceiling, double-walled transparent corrugated sheets
hold over 40,000 plastic bottles,” with bottle caps attached to bottlenecks supporting
the structure.

.
Fig 3.1.2.2 : Plastic bottle wall
Source :archdaily.com
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Walls Plastic bottles

Cladding Plastic bottles

Roof/ Floor Plastic bottles

Aesthetics Plastic bottles

3.2.2 Buildings using the recycled waste materials in construction.

1. Plastic homes, Columbia

Firm : ​Conceptos Plasticos
Location : ​ Low cost houses in Bogata.

Fig 3.2.2.1 : Example of a plastic home

Source : trtworld.com

Fig 3.2.2.2 : Plastic recycling machine

Source :trtworld.com

In Bogota, the capital of Columbia alone generates about 600 tons of plastic per day
which are sent to landfill. Due to the increase in the plastic pollution the architects and
the engineers came up with a very innovative solution to put plastic waste into
construction purposes. The idea of recycling plastic waste and making construction
materials out of it would solve the problem of the lack of housing for the homeless. It
would cost to be 30% cheaper than the conventional building materials.

Out of the 600 tons of plastics generated only 100 tons of plastic is recycled per day.
Plastic is collected from all over the city. Shampoo bottles, food wrappings, garbage
cans and plastic chairs are often used to recycle in the making of the construction
material. The basic character of plastic not to degrade over time easily is the key to its
usage as the recycled plastic after being treated and heated keeps its physical
characteristics and are durable for more than 500-600 years. A modular brick is made
which has high durability and very cheap.
About 30-40 plastic houses have been built till date for the needy thus providing them
some quality homes for the poor. .

Fig 3.2.2.3 : Plastic modular bricks Fig 3.2.2.4 : Plastic composite frames
Source :trtworld.com Source :trtworld.com

Fig 3.2.2.4 : Plastic floor- tile Fig 3.2.2.5 : construction site

Source : trtworld.com​ ​ Source :trtworld.com
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation

Walls Modular plastic bricks

Cladding

Roof/ Floor Glossy plastic tiles

Aesthetics Discarded rugs

Furniture

Other material. Plastic composite frames

2. Tiny Plastic Homes ,Hyderabad
​Architect : ​Prashant Lingam

Fig 3.2.2.6 : Parking station made of plastic

Source :newsminute.com

Prashant Lingam, considering the growing problem of plastic pollution which has
traumatised the nation has come up with “ Tiny Houses made entirely of recycled
plastics”. It is a 1BHK house made of recycled plastics which unlike brick houses
stays cool even in the hot summer season.

● The walls and windows were made up of recyclable plastics.

● 2.5 tons of plastic waste can be used to construct it.
● The roof alone is made up of 5 million plastic bags.
● One drawback of these houses are that they are 25% more expensive than
normal homes.
● The flooring of these houses have been done using plastic paving tiles.
● The plastic paving tiles are also being used in paving pathways.
● Each such tile is made up of 100 plastic bags and costs less than Rs60/each.
Fig 3.2.2.7 : walls and windows frames Fig 3.2.2.8 : Plastic wall
made of recycled plastic Source : newsminute.com
Source :newsminute.com

Fig 3.2.2.9 : Plastic house Fig 3.2.2.10 : bamboo furniture

Source : newsminute.com Source :newsminute.com

Fig 3.2.2.11 : Plastic floor- tile Fig 3.1.2.12 : Plastic pavement tile
Source : newsminute.com Source :newsminute.com
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation

Walls Recycled plastic composites

Cladding

Roof/ Floor Steel truss, recycled plastic panels, plastic

pavement tiles

Aesthetics

Furniture Recycled bamboo furniture

Other material.
3. Renewable Home, Australia
​ Architect : ​Louis Tovatto
Location : ​Australia

Fig 3.2.2.13 : Renewable home,Australia

Source :archdaily.com

This private house owned by the couple is entirely made up of recycled waste
materials. The owner of the house who is also the architect of the house says “Best
thing always comes free” and with his moto has built a mansion entirely out of
garbage. He believes that using waste material as a construction material is not only
cheap but also ​art.
● All the walls are made up of compressed and treated newspapers and
magazines and decorated with colourful broken bottles.
● Floor is made up of marble waste leftovers.
● The roof is made up of discarded bamboo.
● Pieces of fabric, DVDs, and beer bottles have been used to decorate the walls
the roofs etc.
● The ceiling is made up carbon paper and milk cartons mixed with leaves which
had no market value and would provide an option to provide any desired colour
on it.
Fig 3.2.2.14 : newspaper roof Fig 3.2.2.15 : Broken glass pieces
Source : archdaily.com Source :archdaily.com

Fig 3.2.2.16 : Mosaic tiles Fig 3.2.2.17 : Waste tile and marble
Source : archdaily.com Source :archdaily..com

Fig 3.2.2.18 : Bamboo roof

Source :archdaily.com

Fig 3.2.2.19 : carbon paper roof Fig 3.2.2.20 : Plastic pavement tile
Source : archdaily.com Source :archdaily.com
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation

Walls newspaper , magazines, broken bottles, beer

cans,

Cladding Broken bottles,

Roof/ Floor Discarded marbles, waste bamboo, carbon

paper mixed with leaf

Aesthetics Broken tiles, broken glass, CDs

Furniture

Other material. Plastic bottles filled with cement

4. Recycled Plastic benches , Public Parks USA
Location : ​Springfield, Michigan, USA
Firm :​ Team Alliance Plastics

Fig 3.2.2.21 : Plastic Bench Fig 3.2.2.22 : Plastic lumber molds

Source : polyproducts.com Source : polyproducts.com

Fig 3.2.2.23 : Plastic lumber Fig 3.2.2.24 : Plastic supports

Source : polyproducts.com Source : polyproducts.com

Thousands of used plastic milk containers and other forms of plastics which was being
dumped in the landfills have made their way to the recycling plant in springfield.
● These plastic waste are processed so that it is made into lumber, and hence
used in many possible ways in construction.
● Plastic waste is first put into a shredder where it is shredded into tiny bits of
plastic.
● Them the bits are washed with warm water to clean it.
● And then it is mixed with recycled plastic beads and dye to give it a suitable
colour.
● Then the mixture is heated to a certain temperature and the molten plastic is
converted into the long rectangular blocks through moulds.
● Milk containers are made up of HDPE High density Polyethylene, which makes
it light strong and chemical resistant. Therefore all these properties are retained
with the lumber.
● The support for these benches are also made up of recycled plastics.
● The company claims to have made over 1000 plastic benches which have
been used over 40 - 50 parks all over Michigan.
3.3 Primary case study

Manav Sadhna Activity Centre, Ahmedabad

Architect : Yatin Pandaya
Year of Completion : December,2005
Location : Wadaj, Ahmedabad

Fig 3.3.1 : Manav Sadhna Centre Fig 3.3.2 : Rooms made of flyash bricks
Source : worldarchitecture.org Source : worldarchitecture.org

Activity centre at RamaPir Tekra, Wadaj, Ahmedabad has been an attempt by Yatin
Pandaya, in the direction of recycling municipal waste and domestic waste into
building material. It was created under the initiative of the NGO Manav Sadhna.
The campus addresses three important issues:
● Environmental concerns ​: As municipal waste from the domestic sector is
used, it helps in reducing waste, landfill sites and subsequently, pollution. It
also helps in keeping the environment clean and healthy.
● Economic issues ​: the process of recycling waste as a means for providing
for economic activity for the poor.
● Affordability ​: As the recycled components are cheaper, therefore it is an
affordable alternative for the urban poor.
Fig 3.3.3 : Manav Sadhna Centre axonometric diagram
Source : worldarchitecture.org

Construction :
This campus is built as a life demonstration of an application of recycled waste to
manufacture affordable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing building components. The
products prepared are demonstrated in roof, walls, doors and windows.

There are six types of material and techniques used in the construction of walls,
namely:
● Cement bonded fly ash bricks, which is a residual from power plants.
● Mould - compressed bricks made from landfill site waste residue.
● Recycled glass bottles
● Recycled plastic bottles made of ash or waste residue.
● Stabilized soil blocks
● Vegetable crate wood for panelling the inner partition walls.
Similarly, for floor and roof slabs there are filler slabs with glass and plastic bottles.
Door panels are made of shredded paper used for packaging and coated waste paper
as reinforcement for fiber reinforced plastic. Bathroom windows frames are made from
vegetable crate woods, louvers from oil tins. Oil tins are also used as a cladding for
bathroom doors.
Fig 3.3.4 : Fly ash brick wall Fig 3.3.5 : Flyash, Lime wall
Source : worldarchitecture.org Source : worldarchitecture.org

Fig 3.3.6 :Glass Bottle wall

Source : worldarchitecture.org

Fig 3.3.7 : Plastic bottle waffle slab

Source : worldarchitecture.org
Below are the list of the various junk materials used in the structure:

Foundation

Walls Cement bonded fly ash bricks, Mould,

compressed bricks, stabilized soil
block,recycled glass bottles, recycled plastic
bottles.

Cladding Fly Ash mosaic tile, Fly ash and waste residue
tile

Roof/ Floor Filler slab(bottle, bricks)Board and tile roof,

Pipe truss with G.I sheets, Fibre recycled
plastic and rugs.

Aesthetics

Furniture Frame of bathroom windows - vegetable crate

woods, Louvers oil tin cane, Door cladding oil
pin

Other material. Door panelling shredded packing wrapper .

 CHAPTER 4 - ANALYSIS

4.1 Case Study Analysis

As the above examples suggest, a lot is happening in different parts of the world in the
field of waste. Though, it’s a relatively new concept, it’s gaining popularity all over the
globe. From the case studies, it is clear that waste can be used as a construction and
building material.

There is a wide range of examples varying from small objects to entire houses or a
complex. But the question is to find out whether it is actually helping to reuse waste in
buildings, in comparison to other conventional materials traditionally used or in the
process of eliminating waste, more waste is being generated and more energy getting
wasted.

The ultimate goal here is to find out a more serious system of utilizing waste without
being wasteful so that it can contribute towards a more clean and healthy environment
while at the same time helping in solving the issue of lack of affordable housing for the
poor sections of the society. If we review the examples stated above on the basis of
different factors it will be easier to identify those which have been a good and efficient
effort and can be propagated for the future.

Table 4.1 shows the various materials used in the case studies sorted according to
categories of where they have been used.

From the table 4.2, it is clear that all the examples in some way or the other inspire to
start using this type of architecture. It compares the various case studies done and
critically analyzes them on certain issues which will help in forming a coherent
conclusion so as to what all aspects are necessary for this type of architecture to be
successful and which examples can be looked upon as a paradigm.

Whereas from table 4.3 through a comparative analysis it is very clear about the
advantages of these waste materials over existing conventional materials.
 CHAPTER 5 - CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion

Shelter is a basic human need after food and clothing. There is a severe shortage of
this basic human requirement in urban India. There is an ever increasing demand of
appropriate affordable housing for the poor in our country.

As stated in Chapter 2, waste is generated in large scales, especially in the

metropolitan cities such as Delhi. This waste is normally dumped into landfill sites and
goes untreated, polluting the soil as well as the land.

Combining these issues, using waste materials is an apt solution for solving the two
problems. Providing affordable and cheap living shelters to the poorest sections of the
societies which are constructed using waste and locally available environment-
friendly materials solves multiple complexities of a developing- country like India,
simultaneously. It is necessary to understand that some traditional construction
methods and materials such as bricks, concrete, steel do more harm than good and
are damaging our planet. If we learn to live with alternate production and construction
materials and techniques, we could radically slow down the destruction of the planet.
Many of these alternative and innovative materials have similar properties to those of
traditional materials. There is no reason why such materials cannot be used for
designing and constructing affordable living quarters.

This paper looked at a few such waste materials which can effectively be used for the
purpose of construction. The studies of these materials, shows that they can very
easily be adapted, if proper expertise is provided and can be used for the purpose of
constructing shelter homes using simple techniques. These techniques can be learned
by a lay-man too, and are do-it-yourself methods.

Thus, the research clearly states that with proper knowledge and understanding,
waste materials can easily be reused as building materials, if not in the mainstream
sections of the society, then at least in the deprived and poor parts of our country..
5.2 Recommendations

● Through all the case studies we also get to know that reusing and recycling
waste materials should not be limited to the poor and needy class but should be
extensively used in public parks and gardens to spread awareness about the
growing problem of waste generation.
● If not the entire structure a part of the structure or few elements of the buildings
should be constructed through waste materials.
● Using a certain amount of waste material should be made compulsory in the
construction industry.