Home / Environment / Plastic Bricks: Homes Built From Trash
Plastic Bricks: Homes Built From Trash
31 Aug
Summary
- Discarded plastic and rubber are transformed into building blocks.
- Homes assembled and dismantled rapidly without cement or water.
- Construction costs are 30% lower than traditional methods.
A groundbreaking construction system developed in Colombia utilizes discarded plastic and rubber to create modular building blocks for homes. Architect Fernando Llanos conceived this method, which allows houses to be assembled and dismantled swiftly, akin to LEGO bricks, without the need for glue, cement, or water. This innovation provides a significantly more affordable construction option for rural areas.
The system, pioneered by Conceptos Plasticos, processes various types of plastic, including industrial waste and post-consumer material, through an extrusion process. The resulting blocks form major structural elements like walls and beams. Houses can be constructed by four people in just five days and disassembled in three, making them easily transferable. This feature has been utilized for temporary shelters for families displaced by violence, with successful projects completed in Guapi and Valle del Cauca.
Beyond its practical applications in housing and disaster relief, the project aims to address environmental concerns. By diverting plastic from landfills, it contributes to reducing waste and potentially lowering CO2 emissions. The company holds patents for its unique blocks, positioning itself as a sole manufacturer both domestically and internationally. The blocks also undergo treatments to enhance fire and earthquake resistance, further ensuring structural integrity.
