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Strong algae building blocks

12.10.2023

Architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has collaborated with Prometheus Materials to introduce innovative algae-based building blocks that are superior to concrete in environmental sustainability. It is known that about 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions are associated with the production of concrete and steel.

The SOM prototype, called "Spiral", was presented at the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial. The structure is impressive with its simple form and consists of bioblocks created by Prometheus Materials, a young company emerging from a research program at the University of Colorado in the US.

The blocks are formed using microscopic algae found in nature that can absorb carbon. When exposed to sunlight, water and CO2, they generate material similar to the calcium carbonate that forms in coral reefs. When mixed with a special filler, it creates an environmentally friendly building material with zero carbon emissions.

The physical and thermal properties of this material are similar to standard concrete blocks based on Portland cement, which is a hydraulic binder created by grinding cement clinker, gypsum and admixtures dominated by calcium silicates. This cement is widely used in construction in various countries.

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