Leaving the concrete jungle for a better bush

     The widely developed material of concrete constructs much of modern-day design. Its versatility attracts designers and constructors alike. Durable yet flexible, the matter gives a designer's eye freedom while providing sturdy support in foundation constructions. This simple factor explains why the material is often used in construction. 

    Concrete may be efficient for large-scale projects, but its carbon footprint speaks for its downsides. Produced from ArchitectureCourses.org, cement accounts for up to 8% of total global emissions. The impact of this aggregate mixture swells as one of the most used building materials. Concrete, however, falls short in its life span. The rock mixture is prone to cracking and chipping, especially in extreme weather conditions. This will concern future construction projects as weather patterns shift and climates wobble. Cement analysis to deliver repairs and maintenance draws against the efficiency of cement use. Similarly, the article notes that cement absorbs heat and will raise surface temperatures. This is especially important to note with rising global temperatures. With the changing climate, construction is now looking to reflect radiant heat with cooling design systems. These factors incentivize a shift in our use of cement for other lasting materials that will support our buildings. 

    With only one material accounted for, concrete alone dents the carbon footprint in construction production as it is used in a majority of building and renovation projects. Our reliance on concrete has become profound as our cities grow dense in cement. It becomes necessary to look at alternatives for concrete that can substitute as cooler and long-lasting foundations for design. 

    There are already materials introduced to this shift for concrete substitutions, many of which benefit from natural organics as their main aggregate component. Hempcrete, for example, absorbs carbon in the atmosphere because of its naturally derived substance. One home in particular uses Hempcrete as a foundation for its construction. 

    Documented through Dwell Magazine, this house in Victoria, Australia reduces its footprint through its building materials. Constructed of mainly Hempcrete, the home showcases the remarkable abilities of renewable constructions. The walls work to prevent common issues in building longevity such as fires, pests, and mold. The material also regulates the indoor humidity by absorbing moisture which regulates the temperature to a comfortable 68 degrees ("Sustainable Concrete Alternatives"). The preventatives of Hempcrete ensure its lasting durability and exemplify how concrete substitutes may be the mindful design that is needed.

    Hempcrete, however, is not unique in its organic composition. Many other mixed substances can provide stability in construction. Timbercrete and Ashcrete utilize reduced and recycled wood and coal in their mix ("Sustainable Concrete Alternatives"). With slightly different mixtures than Hempcrete, their benefits stretch as well; these two have been useful in insulating walls. Other materials such as Geopolymer concrete and Ferrock Cement have varying benefits with altered aggregates. 

    There are many options for concrete substitution, and more are developing. The house in Australia is one of many incoming successes of sustainable material use. Advancing through urban design, architecture must learn to cool heated surroundings with materials through conscious stewardship. Further incentives for this transition can be examined through the long-term financial savings of long-lasting materials. Picking substances that rest in harmony with our environment will best serve us for future savings and longevity. 

    

Citations:

(n.d.). Sustainable Concrete Alternatives | The Best Substitutes for Modern Construction. ArchitectureCourses.org. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.architecturecourses.org/build/concrete-alternatives.

Bernard, G. (2024, July 12). Why Hempcrete Checked All Their Boxes. Dwell. Retrieved August 31, 2024, from https://www.dwell.com/article/why-hempcrete-checked-all-their-boxes-affe5341.