Vimonisha Damodaran- 301112072

0
CONTENT

ABSTRACT

1. INTRODUCTION TO MATERIAL, COMPONENT OR SYSTEM………...……03

2. PRODUCT ANALYSIS………………………………………………….……………03

2.1. Concept

2.2. Material and components

2.3. Function

3. ECOLOGICAL SPECIFICATION…………………………………..……………07

4. PERFORMANCE ISSUES…………………………………………………………08

5. GREEN SPECIFICATION…………………………………………………………09

6. RELEVANT CERTIFICATION OR ECOLABELS……………………………...09

7 COST IMPLICATIONS………………………………………………………….…10

8. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………….………11

1
ABSTRACT

With rapid growth in population, man kind undergoing lots of challenges which includes water

scarcity, global warming etc. As a result, there is a strong desire for a long-term strategy at this

time. Architects have discovered materials that fit into this category as construction materials have

progressed.

In developing countries, where the population is high, major concern will be availability of land.

Thereby, with minimum usage of land and maximum need for settlement. Architects and designers

are constantly on the lookout for the most environmentally sustainable practises, which has

resulted in bespoke alternative construction materials developed by analysing current

environmental conditions and prioritising climatic factors above conventional materials.

2
1. INTRODUCTION TO MATERIAL, COMPONENT OR SYSTEM

One of the growing issues with regard to climate change is air pollution, which has a significant

impact on human health. Global warming is caused by excess carbon emissions in the

atmosphere caused by industrialization and other reasons trapping heat on the earth's surface.

Designers and Architects making huge steps in reducing carbon footprint in construction

industry which can bring great impact in effect on air pollution.

Ar. Carmen Trudell, an assistant professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s School of

Architecture and is also the founder of Both Landscape and Architecture invented a brick know

as ‘Breathe Bricks’. This brick absorbs pollution in the air which can be great alternative to

commonly used conventional bricks.

2. PRODUCT ANALYSIS

2.1 Concept: Air filtration is the basic principle of Breathe bricks. The function of

this brick is it filters external polluted air and gives cooling air inside the building.

Thus, these bricks filter the air by separating dust particles and other pollutants.

Cyclone Filtration in vacuum cleaners is the concept behind this invention.

3
 2.2 Material and components: Concrete blocks which are formed of porous material

in the shape of bricks. To aim the air flow inside the system, they are designed

specifically and are molded into a faceted manner and for structural support shafts

are provided. A recycled plastic coupler is placed between the two bricks, as well

as a hopper at the base for particle collection.

2.3 Function: In the exterior of the structure where the breathe bricks is placed, where it

act as a passive air filtration system. A cavity wall has been built to allow for a double-

layered construction, with the inside layer providing insulation and an air vent, and the

4
breather brick on the exterior filtering and absorbing pollutants. A cyclone filter is

casted into the air filtration brick.

Thereby, filter enables the air to move around like a cyclone which in-turn separates

the dust particles and the pollutants and making the filtered air move into the structure.

Thus, filtered air is the sent through the brick coupler. One of the major components of

the system is the brick coupler which is made from recycled plastic.

At the base of walls, filtered particles is collected.

However, coupler makes the air flow from outside to move into the air filtration bricks

for cyclone filtration. Which also acts as a connection for the filtered to the inside of

the structure. This device sends the dust particles to the base of the wall where a hopper

is located, which needs to be cleaned regularly but as the size is huge it need not be

cleaned that frequently. Reinforces the one of its shafts as it acts as a structural

5
alignment for the bricks. The air which is filtered from the coupler moves through the

cavity and into the vent or window. If there is a window or a operable opening the

filtered air directly passes through it, but in the absence of these openings the air the

circulated through the HVAC System.

The recycled-plastic coupler assists in the alignment of stacked bricks.

Breathe brick. Section shoeing Cyclone filtration inside the brick

6
3. Ecological specification

Because the Breathe Brick simply carries strained air into the general assembly of the wall,

this air can subsequently be transported to the building's interior using mechanical equipment

or filter vents operated by passive systems like stack ventilation. It is a low-tech material. These

bricks are made using no complicated technology or mechanisms. The system does not

necessitate the use of skilled labourers, making it cost effective. As a result, in developing

countries, this material is regarded as an excellent alternative. This solution can be used by

small municipalities and developing regions to reduce air pollution, while giving a ecofriendly

environment to the live.

7
 When tested, to know Breathe bricks filtration capacity, it is found that Breathe brick filters

30% of fine particles such as air borne pollutants and 100% of coarser particles such as

dust.

Breathe bricks are regarded as a cutting-edge alternative material. When compared to large-

scale mechanical air filtering approaches, it is less expensive. It is both environmentally

friendly and long-lasting.

To summarise, clay bricks have strength but contribute significantly to pollution, whereas

eco bricks made from waste are beneficial to both the environment and people. With the

same tenacity as regular bricks, these brisk can take over the future and will be able to

replace these bricks in the near future.

4. PERFORMANCE ISSUES

▪ Due its unique design when compared to conservative bricks, it may take extra time to

build.

▪ The maintenance might be tough that is the chances of insects getting trapped into bricks

is high which leads to internal damage.

▪ As it demands précised technical knowledge, installation is tough when compared to stone

masonry or normal brick.

▪ Due to its low tensile strength, cannot be used in high raised building.

▪ Breathe bricks will absorb water easily, because of this it cannot be used in high rainfall

areas.

8
5. GREEN SPECIFICATION

An important feature of alternative sustainable material is its ability to adopt in regard of

mass customization. Breathe brick can be practised globally irrespective of its end users,

macro or micro climate.

Breathe bricks can be considered a powerful participant in mass customisation of buildin

g materials and construction procedures due to the aforementioned advantages.

6. RELEVANT CERUIFICATION OR ECOLABELS

▪ Award for Best Construction material that could revolutionizeIndustry-2016

9
▪ R & D Award for best innovative Architecture by Architect Magazine -2015

▪ C3 Green innovation Award-2013

7. COST IMPLICATIONS

Breath brick is an inexpensive, yet effective way to improve indoor air quality. Though it has

peculiar design it is comparatively low tech and its technology is affordable. Thereby, it can

be used in developing country without huge investments. If funds are properly allocated

breathe brick can be manufactured in large scale based on the demand in cities.

10
 REFERENCES

Alternative materials - Pollution absorbing bricks - Rethinking the future. (2020, November 23). RTF |

Rethinking The Future. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/fresh-perspectives/a794-

alternative-materials-pollution-absorbing-bricks/

Analysis of eco-friendly bricks. (2017, August 30).

UKEssays.com. https://www.ukessays.com/essays/engineering/analysis-ecofriendly-

bricks-8432.php

Citation: Breathe brick. (2015, August 7). Architect. https://www.architectmagazine.com/awards/r-

d-awards/citation-breathe-brick_o

This innovative brick sucks pollution from the air like a vacuum cleaner. (2015, August 12).

ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/771767/this-innovative-brick-sucks-pollution-

from-the-air-like-a-vacuum-cleaner

11