Biological Concrete Enhances Sustainable Architecture
Image Courtesy of Archdaily.com
A new biological form of concrete has been developed by a group of Spanish scientists at the Structural Technology Group in Barcelona that captures rainwater in order to create living walls of moss and fungi. This living, breathing façade called biological concrete enhances sustainable architecture by supporting the growth of pigmented organisms on building surfaces.
This new technology integrates the use of concrete into already established buildings and encourages a variety of biological organisms to grow on the surface. These plants include microalgae, lichens, fungi, and mosses. The idea is to have myriad colors of plants and mosses that will change with the seasons, creating an ever-evolving living picture.
Most structures are built from normal concrete, which usually has high pH levels and does not allow for biological growth.
Image Courtesy of Dezeen.com
Biological concrete, however, uses a concrete that is based on Portland cement. This particular cement is acidic, manufactured with magnesium phosphate, and creates optimal growing conditions for different types of mosses. Therefore, biological concrete is designed to allow for specific organisms to thrive.
Although vertical gardens have been integrated into building facades for quite some time, this new biological concrete is very different due to its function as part of the building’s structure.
This new type of concrete is composed of three different layers. First is a waterproofing layer, which protects the structural layer from potential damages caused by water. The second layer is the biological layer, where the development and colonization of organisms takes place. The organisms are supported by the biological layer, which can capture and store rainwater in order for the plants to grow. The third and final layer is the discontinuous coating layer, which has a reverse waterproofing ability. This layer allows rainwater to enter and blocks it from escaping, which encourages more growth.
Biological concrete has many advantages and has helped further evolve sustainability as an integral part of the design process. This particular concrete absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide, and in turn releases oxygen into the air. The concrete also regulates temperatures inside the building, capturing heat in the winter and keeping the inside cool during the summer.
4 Comments
Kay Bingham
February 23, 2013I love the idea of a living, breathing building–that absorbs carbon and regulates building temps. Do you think it would grown in Boulder’s climate?
Becky Hammond
February 25, 2013Exciting product. Is it widely available? Available in Colorado?
admin
February 25, 2013The concrete is currently still in experimental phases as researchers delve into promoting certain species of plant growth. The idea is patented and there has already been interest expressed in bringing the product to market.
William McLemore
March 14, 2013This probably could be done for some specialized buildings/homes; however, the question remains as to how economical is the concept.
Some things to consider:
1. Is freeze-thaw an issue; if moisture is captured behind a membrane, there will be expansion as water crystallizes to ice. Such expansion could create cracks possibly compromising the physical integrity of the building. This would seem to suggest that Colorado would not be an ideal location; perhaps Miami would be suitable
2. Most US concrete plants, but not all, do not produce portland cement as the primary use of concrete in the US is for pavment. Use of concrete on US buildings for facades is rare; thus supplies of relevant building materials are rare.
3. Concrete of any form is heavy; this means that some foundations will have to be strengthened to support the additional loads. Further a veneer of portland cement will need to be anchored to some sort of steel structure.
4. If a building is tall (3 stories or less and reachable by a typical cherry picker); repairs to the outside walls would be difficult to perform.
5. Installing any 3-layer veneer to any building is bound to be expensive.
Other than specialty buildings or homes, this construction methodology, while certainly visually attractive probably has limited real world applications.
Any rebuttal to my comments are certainly welcome.
Regards: