Architecture Focus

Cement Can Be A (More) Sustainable Material

ArchDaily

JANUARY 29, 2024

Image © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG "If the cement industry were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, with about 2.8 Centro de Interpretação do Românico / spaceworkers. billion tons, surpassed only by China and the United States."

Materials

Materials Sustainability Manufacturing Industrial

Design Guide: Working with Fiber Cement Facades

ArchDaily

MARCH 3, 2024

An example of this is Portland cement , an essential element in the mixture of water and aggregates that make concrete, which allows the creation of both load-bearing and decorative elements. It is in the latter where it has adopted notable expressions due to its textures, incombustibility, rain resistance, and malleability. Read more »

Design

Design Materials Innovation Construction

Princeton University researchers develop tougher cement inspired by shells

Archinect

JUNE 13, 2024

Engineers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite, inspired by the material found within certain shells, that is 17 times more crack-resistant than standard cement and 19 times more able to stretch and deform without breaking.

Inspiration

Inspiration Developer Development Engineering

The Future Beneath Our Feet: Soil-Cement Bricks and the Path to Sustainable Construction

ArchDaily

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

Soil cement bricks –or Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks– are a good example of an existing alternative, as they have a smaller environmental footprint due to their use of local raw materials and the elimination of the burning process, while maintaining many of the intrinsic qualities of traditional bricks.

Sustainability

Sustainability Construction Construction Transportation

Researchers utilize shrimp shells to create stronger and more sustainable cement

Archinect

AUGUST 11, 2022

A team of Washington State University (WSU) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers has discovered a method to create stronger cement by putting nanoparticles from shrimp shells into cement paste. The findings were reported in the journal Cement and Concrete Composites.

Utilities

Utilities Sustainability Transportation Innovation

3D Printing Lightweight, Insulated Walls Using Cement-Free Mineral Foam

ArchDaily

MAY 23, 2023

© Hyuk Sung Kwon Harnessing the power of moldless manufacturing through large-scale robotic 3D printing, research at ETH Zürich in collaboration with FenX AG delves into the use of cement-free mineral foam made from recycled waste.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Materials Building

MAD to renovate Shanghai cement warehouse with floating metal ‘ark’

Archinect

OCTOBER 27, 2023

MAD Architects has unveiled its design for the renovation and adaptive reuse of an old cement factory in Shanghai.

Renovation

Renovation Commercial Utilities Site

UN Secretary-General calls for significant changes to the cement industry ahead of 2050

Archinect

JUNE 15, 2023

In an address to the Global Cement and Concrete Association in Zurich on Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres laid out his vision for changes to the industry he says are “fundamental to building a better world.”

Industrial

Industrial Regulation Government Building

Houses in Peru: 5 Projects That Use Cement Blocks in Their Construction

ArchDaily

MAY 27, 2024

Textile House / Ghezzi Novak. Image © Iván Salinero Beyond being a prefabricated material currently produced in large quantities, the use of concrete blocks in architecture continues to evolve to meet the demands and needs of contemporary societies that are constantly changing.

Construction

Construction Construction Housing Project

MVRDV begins construction on overhaul of old Shanghai cement factory

Archinect

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

A team led by MVRDV has begun construction on a leisure and cultural district in Shanghai on the site of a disused cement factory.

Construction

Construction Construction Zoning Landscape

Recycling "breakthrough" could usher in zero-emissions cement

Deezen

MAY 31, 2024

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have devised a way of cheaply producing low-carbon concrete at scale by making use of waste cement and the steel industry's electric arc furnaces. The method developed by the engineers involves recycling old cement from demolished buildings by heating it up and reactivating the compounds within it.

Innovation

Innovation Industrial Estimating Materials

Cement-based rammed earth "not much better than concrete"

Deezen

JULY 10, 2024

But [we're] not talking about the cement that's gone into making that possible." Sometimes it is constructed in its raw form, but often it is stabilised with a binder, such as cement , to improve its strength and durability. The best way to enhance the characteristics of rammed earth is to stabilise it with cement."

Insurance

Insurance Materials Sustainability Construction

Reef Rocket is a bio-cement reef grown from plant enzymes

Deezen

JANUARY 8, 2024

Industrial designer Mary Lempres has created a bio-cement structure developed to mimic naturally occurring oyster reefs that tackle coastal flooding , filter seawater and promote biodiversity. Bio-concrete is chemically identical to the material oysters produce to grow their reefs. "Bio-concrete

Materials

Materials Environment Nature Structure

MVRDV to breathe new life into a former cement factory in shanghai

designboom

FEBRUARY 10, 2024

MVRDV will reshape shanghai's industrial heritage with its 'gate M west bund dream center,' revitalizing a former cement factory. The post MVRDV to breathe new life into a former cement factory in shanghai appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Industrial

Industrial Architecture IT Design

COP29: New Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate to speed up decarbonization efforts in the building sector

Archinect

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

New International definitions for low carbon cement and concrete were also launched at COP29 by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA).

Building

Building Regulation Construction Construction

Concrete Wonders: 40 Impressive Details Using the Cement-Based Building Material

ArchDaily

JUNE 3, 2023

Materials

Materials Foundation Building Construction

cherry blossom pink cement coats cultural space by qicang design in china

designboom

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

The post cherry blossom pink cement coats cultural space by qicang design in china appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine. this pop of color brings a contemporary yet rustic touch to the whitewashed commercial spaces of the park that was once a village.

Space

Space Commercial Contemporary Design

Engineers develop bone-inspired concrete for stronger structures

Archinect

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

Inspired by the natural architecture of human bone, engineers at Princeton University have developed a new cement-based material that significantly enhances the toughness of traditional concrete. The study introduces a unique design that incorporates cylindrical and elliptical tubes within the cement paste.

Engineering

Engineering Engineering Structure Inspiration

cement blocks and iron lattice enclose private courtyard in rural vietnam

designboom

APRIL 5, 2023

The post cement blocks and iron lattice enclose private courtyard in rural vietnam appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine. the project celebrates easy living in the countryside through an open-plan design.

Project

Project Architecture Design Residential

Bloom Architecture uses handmade cement blocks to decorate Cambodian houses

Deezen

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Handmade blocks made of grey and red cement define the facades of Small Houses, a collection of homes that Cambodian studio Bloom Architecture created as a "haven" from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. Inside each residence, a double-layered facade of cement blocks and glazing provides light, air and privacy to the living spaces.

Housing

Housing Architecture Education Roofing

cambridge researchers discover the world’s first process to produce zero-emissions cement

designboom

MAY 27, 2024

cambridge researchers find out that used cement can be a substitute for lime flux to produce recycled cement, which can then be used to make new low-emission concrete. The post cambridge researchers discover the world’s first process to produce zero-emissions cement appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Architecture

Architecture Design Technology Technology

Schmidt Hammer Lassen transforms cement factory into West Bund Art Center

Deezen

JULY 18, 2024

Danish architecture studio Schmidt Hammer Lassen has adaptively reused a domed cement factory in Shanghai , China, to create a performing arts and sports venue. The post Schmidt Hammer Lassen transforms cement factory into West Bund Art Center appeared first on Dezeen. The photography is by Tian Fangfang.

Art

Art Deconstruction Restoration Masterplanning

green cement exterior enfolds residence in athens by oikonomakis siampakoulis architects

designboom

APRIL 25, 2024

The post green cement exterior enfolds residence in athens by oikonomakis siampakoulis architects appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine. oikonomakis siampakoulis architects' project redefines the perception of the athenian polykatoikia.

Exterior

Exterior Architect Project Architecture

Norman Foster Foundation and Holcim unveil Essential Homes prototype designs for Latin America

Archinect

JUNE 14, 2024

The Norman Foster Foundation has unveiled details of its new Essential Homes prototype design with Holcim that will deliver low-cost options for emergency shelter in Latin America using low-carbon concrete and cement products in demonstration of the principles of a circular economy.

Foundation

Foundation Home Manufacturing Design

from beach clubs to hotels: unopiù cements its place as the go-to brand for outdoor projects

designboom

AUGUST 4, 2024

The post from beach clubs to hotels: unopiù cements its place as the go-to brand for outdoor projects appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine. unopiù's expertise in furnishing outdoor areas makes them the preferred choice for high-end hotels, resorts, and other commercial spaces.

Project

Project IT Commercial Space

The world's largest 3D printed building made with real concrete is completed in Oman

Archinect

JANUARY 14, 2022

The German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) along with Danish 3D printer producer COBOD and Mexican cement company Cemex has completed the largest 3D printed building in the world made with real concrete. Located in the Omani capital of Muscat, the 2,100-square-foot structure was designed as a typical social housing unit in Oman.

Building

Building Technology Technology Structure

Concrete Blocks in Architecture: How to Build With This Modular and Low-Cost Material

ArchDaily

APRIL 9, 2024

Similar to bricks, these blocks are stacked together and bonded with mortar, typically composed of cement, sand, and water. Image © Nelson Kon Concrete blocks are prefabricated materials primarily used for constructing walls. They are hollow inside to accommodate steel bars and mortar filling.

Materials

Materials Building Finishes Architecture

Revitalizing Shanghai's Waterfront: MVRDV's West Bund Dream Center Transforms Industrial Buildings into Cultural Hub

ArchDaily

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Formerly home to a cement plant factory, the design uses the existing structures for cultural programs and combines them with new structures to house new functions. The Dream Center aims to revitalize the riverbank area into a thriving cultural and recreational district.

Industrial

Industrial Building Structure Construction

MAD architects will perch a futuristic ‘ark’ atop a cement factory ruin in shanghai

designboom

OCTOBER 27, 2023

a fluid metal 'ark' will be designed as a contemporary intervention atop a decaying cement factory in shanghai. The post MAD architects will perch a futuristic ‘ark’ atop a cement factory ruin in shanghai appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Architect

Architect Contemporary Architecture Design

“Achieving Sustainable Construction Is First Using the Right Material for the Right Job”: In Conversation With Seratech

ArchDaily

OCTOBER 6, 2023

This innovative process uses silica, a waste product from flue gases, as a carbon-negative cement replacement in concrete. By incorporating silica, the required amount of Portland cement is reduced by 40%, resulting in the production of carbon-negative concrete.

Sustainability

Sustainability Construction Construction Materials

Dyed Cement Shingles Cover The Counter Inside This Bakery

Contemporist

OCTOBER 1, 2024

Grizzo Studio has shared photos of MALAU, a new bakery that includes handcrafted pieces of dyed cement in its design.

IT

IT Design

Winners unveiled for the 2023 Sony World Photography Awards Architecture & Design Category

Archinect

APRIL 20, 2023

1st Place: Cement Factory by Fan Li (China) Each entrant submitted a body of work ranging from five to ten images, spanning stories of war and reconciliation to the empowerment of women through education and original approaches to photographic genres.

Architecture

Architecture Education Design Environment

Three Pines by Resolution: 4 Architecture

Archinect

APRIL 26, 2024

Cedar and cement board exterior cladding and ipe decks were then completed on-site. After the modules were delivered and set into place, the on-site contractor secured it to the foundation and closed up the mate-line conditions - seaming together the roof, walls, and floors.

Foundation

Foundation Contractor Architecture Manufacturing

Company uses algae to develop masonry blocks with help from SOM, Autodesk, and Microsoft

Archinect

JUNE 10, 2022

The funds form part of an effort by Prometheus to develop a zero-carbon alternative to traditional Portland cement by using microalgae. From its facility at Longmont, Colorado, the company hopes to develop commercial-grade masonry blocks as an “affordable, strong, and durable zero-carbon alternative” to concrete blocks.

Developer

Developer Development Foundation Commercial

Japanese designer showcases Flatiron Building-shaped speaker

Archinect

APRIL 14, 2023

The piece stands 43 inches tall and depicts the iconic structure like a sculpture in the process of being carved from a block of cement. Japanese fashion designer Takahiro Miyashita, through his eponymous label TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloist., has unveiled a Hi-Fi speaker in the form of New York City ’s Flatiron Building.

Building

Building Design Structure Materials

In memoriam — those we lost in 2022

Archinect

DECEMBER 26, 2022

Walden 7 , La Fábrica , La Muralla Roja , and his 1997 design for the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya were among the projects that cemented his.

Education

Education Industrial Inspiration Landscape

Min Design cements a commitment to public space with The Garden Party in San Francisco

The Architect's Newsletter

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Character can’t The post Min Design cements a commitment to public space with The Garden Party in San Francisco appeared first on The Architect’s Newspaper. For the large-scale developments required to meet growth, few live up to their claims of placemaking, community, and resilience.

Space

Space Design Development Developer

ETH Zurich researchers develop robotic process for impact printing earth materials

Archinect

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

Researchers at ETH Zurich have introduced a new robotic 3D printing method for cement-free low-carbon materials for a circular economy.

Materials

Materials Developer Development Technique

Switzerland releases postal stamp honoring concrete architecture

Archinect

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Made using cement pigments, the latest stamp holds an ultra-matte finish to give the depicted concrete wall a “tactile dimension.” The ‘Art in Architecture’ stamp is the third edition of a series launched by the postal service in 2020, which seeks to “reflect Swiss Post’s commitment to art.”

Architecture

Architecture Art Finishes Materials

MIT and Harvard scientists uncover the key behind ancient Rome's 'self-healing' concrete

Archinect

JANUARY 10, 2023

The white chunks, often referred to as “lime clasts,” had previously been disregarded as evidence of poor mixing practices by the Romans, with researchers instead attributing the durability of ancient Roman structures to the use of volcanic ash in cement mixes.

Materials

Materials Structure Development Developer

Hemp is about to take an outsized role in the building industry's push to go green

Archinect

JULY 19, 2022

While most of these buildings are constructed out of more traditional materials like cement, brick, drywall, and plywood, forward-thinking architects and members of the construction industry have increasingly been turning to natural materials as an alternative for the future.

Industrial

Industrial Building Manufacturing Materials

Autodesk breaks ground on new Technology Engagement Center at Cal State Northridge

Archinect

APRIL 18, 2023

This gift kicked off the project that is particularly meant to help cement the university’s place in a network of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost was instrumental in organizing a $5 million gift to the institution, which is his alma mater.

Technology

Technology Technology Engineering Engineering

ETH Zurich researcher develops 3D printed insulation foam using recycled materials

Archinect

DECEMBER 1, 2023

Led by doctoral architecture researcher Patrick Bedarf, the Airlements project centers on cement-free mineral foams derived from recycled industrial waste. ETH Zurich has published details of new research into lightweight building components produced using 3D printing.

Materials

Materials Developer Development Manufacturing

Ricardo Bofill passes away aged 82

Archinect

JANUARY 14, 2022

The firm was led by Bofill along with his two sons, Ricardo Emilio and Pablo, and was based from the Bofill-designed La Fábrica, a repurposed cement factory. In 1963, he founded Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, encompassing the fields of architecture, urban planning, and art.

Firms

Firms Art Architecture Architect

Cement Can Be A (More) Sustainable Material

Design Guide: Working with Fiber Cement Facades

Trending Sources

Princeton University researchers develop tougher cement inspired by shells

The Future Beneath Our Feet: Soil-Cement Bricks and the Path to Sustainable Construction

Researchers utilize shrimp shells to create stronger and more sustainable cement

3D Printing Lightweight, Insulated Walls Using Cement-Free Mineral Foam

MAD to renovate Shanghai cement warehouse with floating metal ‘ark’

UN Secretary-General calls for significant changes to the cement industry ahead of 2050

Houses in Peru: 5 Projects That Use Cement Blocks in Their Construction

MVRDV begins construction on overhaul of old Shanghai cement factory

Recycling "breakthrough" could usher in zero-emissions cement

Cement-based rammed earth "not much better than concrete"

Reef Rocket is a bio-cement reef grown from plant enzymes

MVRDV to breathe new life into a former cement factory in shanghai

COP29: New Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate to speed up decarbonization efforts in the building sector

Concrete Wonders: 40 Impressive Details Using the Cement-Based Building Material

cherry blossom pink cement coats cultural space by qicang design in china

Engineers develop bone-inspired concrete for stronger structures

cement blocks and iron lattice enclose private courtyard in rural vietnam

Bloom Architecture uses handmade cement blocks to decorate Cambodian houses

cambridge researchers discover the world’s first process to produce zero-emissions cement

Schmidt Hammer Lassen transforms cement factory into West Bund Art Center

green cement exterior enfolds residence in athens by oikonomakis siampakoulis architects

Norman Foster Foundation and Holcim unveil Essential Homes prototype designs for Latin America

from beach clubs to hotels: unopiù cements its place as the go-to brand for outdoor projects

The world's largest 3D printed building made with real concrete is completed in Oman

Concrete Blocks in Architecture: How to Build With This Modular and Low-Cost Material

Revitalizing Shanghai's Waterfront: MVRDV's West Bund Dream Center Transforms Industrial Buildings into Cultural Hub

MAD architects will perch a futuristic ‘ark’ atop a cement factory ruin in shanghai

“Achieving Sustainable Construction Is First Using the Right Material for the Right Job”: In Conversation With Seratech

Dyed Cement Shingles Cover The Counter Inside This Bakery

Winners unveiled for the 2023 Sony World Photography Awards Architecture & Design Category

Three Pines by Resolution: 4 Architecture

Company uses algae to develop masonry blocks with help from SOM, Autodesk, and Microsoft

Japanese designer showcases Flatiron Building-shaped speaker

In memoriam — those we lost in 2022

Min Design cements a commitment to public space with The Garden Party in San Francisco

ETH Zurich researchers develop robotic process for impact printing earth materials

Switzerland releases postal stamp honoring concrete architecture

MIT and Harvard scientists uncover the key behind ancient Rome's 'self-healing' concrete

Hemp is about to take an outsized role in the building industry's push to go green

Autodesk breaks ground on new Technology Engagement Center at Cal State Northridge

ETH Zurich researcher develops 3D printed insulation foam using recycled materials

Ricardo Bofill passes away aged 82

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