Top innovative building materials

In recent years, building materials that offer better performance than traditional materials have become increasingly popular. These developments contribute to the emergence of new, completely unique architectural projects. Gradually, brick and concrete structures will give way to new solutions that are more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and durable.
Self-repairing concrete

The concrete is embedded with capsules that contain bacteria and nutrients inside. When water enters the capsules, the bacteria are activated and begin to feed, repairing cracks in the concrete by producing limestone.

Among other innovative solutions of this kind is the development of Korean scientists, who suggest adding capsules with a polymer that reacts to moisture and sunlight to concrete. Under their influence, the polymer increases in volume and fills cracks.

American scientists from Worcester Polytechnic Institute have proposed their own solution based on the use of bioconcrete. An enzyme is added to such concrete, which interacts with calcium carbonate crystals and releases CO2. As a result of these processes, the concrete becomes stronger and cracks are filled. A crack up to 1 mm wide can be repaired within one day in this way.

Flexible concrete
Specialists from Swinburne University have created a concrete in which cement is replaced with geopolymer composites and fly ash, a typical waste product from coal-fired power plants. This composition makes the new type of concrete more resilient than conventional concrete, as well as more environmentally friendly. The new concrete cures at room temperature, eliminating the need for high production costs.
Richlite
Richlite is a high-strength paper composite. It is made from recycled materials that are pressed into strong, smooth, recyclable boards. Unlike stone and other hard surfaces, Richlite behaves like dense hardwood: it is easy to mill, sand, and join. Richlite is water resistant and hygienic, with low moisture absorption, high heat and fire resistance. Natural finishes do not harm its appearance. Therefore, it is used in a multitude of applications, from construction to furniture making.
Liquid granite

It is a special type of construction mix consisting of 70% marble chips, 30% special additives and decorative fillers. This compound is spray applied to a variety of surfaces including concrete, brick, stone and asphalt. When cured, this liquid forms a durable coating that gives the surface a durable and aesthetic appearance.

Liquid granite is an environmentally safe material, as its composition includes resins, natural marble chips and mineral fillers. This composite mixture is often used in finishing works and is used to create or cover individual interior elements.

Translucent concrete

During the manufacturing process, special transparent fillers, such as glass granules or microballoons, and polymer additives are added to the cement to improve its light transmittance. The result is a material that transmits up to 50% of light, making it suitable for creating translucent walls, ceilings and even floors, increasing the insolation of spaces. This material combines the qualities of concrete and glass: strength, durability, resilience and light transmission. It can be used to create decorative details such as columns, arches, staircases, which gives buildings a modern, refined look.

Sensitive materials
This type of finishing material (e.g. tiles) is equipped with fiber optic light channels. When someone moves on such a covering, the light in the channels begins to shimmer. Such tiles can be used to lay floors, decorate bathrooms and even decorate ceilings. In addition, there are thermochromic tiles that change their color in response to changes in the temperature of the surroundings. This can help create a sense of warmth in a room or highlight specific areas. There are also tiles that change their color depending on the humidity in the air. These can be used in bathrooms or kitchens to create a unique interior. This is a new but promising material that allows you to create original interiors and increase the level of comfort in the room.
Luminous concrete
This innovative type of concrete absorbs sunlight during the day and emits it at night. It is created by mixing a cement mix with fluorescent pigments. This cement is used in swimming pools, roads, parking lots and facades, as well as in the manufacture of traffic signs. Due to its light-emitting properties, this innovative concrete can significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to light roads, as it runs entirely on solar energy.
Brick that absorbs contaminants
These bricks are porous concrete blocks that absorb contaminants from outside. Such bricks are cheap compared to a mechanical filtration system and the main advantage is that they do not require skilled labor for construction and do not consume energy.
Recycled steel

One of the most affordable building materials is recycled steel. Recycling steel requires 75% less energy than producing new steel from raw materials.

With the rising cost of fossil fuels, the use of recycled steel saves builders and homeowners a significant amount of money. Recycled steel retains its structural integrity as one of the building materials and can be used for a variety of purposes such as framing and structural support.

Geopolymer concrete

Geopolymer concrete construction material has several advantages over conventional Portland cement concrete, especially in terms of environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and durability. The use of industrial by-products such as dry ash, slag or silica reduces CO2 emissions during the production process of geopolymer concrete. This environmentally friendly method reduces the carbon footprint of the construction industry.

Such concrete is more chemically resistant, less permeable and has better fire resistance than conventional concrete. The material's increased mechanical strength and resistance to shrinkage improve the long-term structural integrity of buildings and ultimately reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Plant-based rigid polyurethane foam

The rigid foam of plant-based polyurethane building material, which is created from renewable resources including hemp, bamboo and kelp, is an environmentally beneficial insulation material. In addition to insulation, this building material offers other benefits such as heat resistance, sound insulation, and resistance to mold and pests.

By minimizing heat transfer through walls, ceilings and attics, rigid foam insulation helps reduce heating and cooling energy consumption. Its superior insulation properties help maintain an acceptable interior temperature while reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems.

Because plant-based polyurethane rigid foam is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, people with allergies or sensitivities to synthetic insulation materials can safely use it.

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