flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

GREENBUILD 2011: Transparent concrete makes its North American debut at Greenbuild

GREENBUILD 2011: Transparent concrete makes its North American debut at Greenbuild


By By BD+C Staff | October 7, 2011
Precast, transparent concrete panels can brighten any room and allow people to see images and objects behind them.

What if cement could light up a room? i.light precast, transparent concrete panels can brighten any room and allow people to see images and objects behind them.

Making its North American debut at Greenbuild, two i.light precast concrete walls, manufactured by ESSROC Italcementi Group, showcased the innovation of cement and the endless possibilities for interior and exterior applications by builders, designers and architects.

The transparency in cement is achieved via an innovative technology developed by Italcementi Group’s R&D department, in which a new dry ready-mixed product that allows bonding a light-transmitting plastic resin matrix is used. This allows the manufacturing of solid insulated concrete construction panels, which transmit light, both natural and artificial. The panels are guaranteed to last as long as a panel made from traditional cement material.

The result of the transparent panels is simply brilliant as they create a sequence of lights and shadows in constant evolution throughout the day. The transparent effect is more evident when it is dark and seen from the outside. The panels allow interior lights to filter through, from inside. During the day, exterior light filters in, showing the changes in the levels of daylight. The capability to transmit light can also make it possible to use less electricity, potentially contributing to energy savings. BD+C

Related Stories

Giants 400 | Sep 6, 2018

What's happening at 89 design firms

The latest developments at 89 of the nation's largest architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms.

Architects | Sep 6, 2018

Little details, big questions: Occupancy planning 101 for healthcare facilities

Transitioning into a new hospital is no easy feat and daily tasks can have a huge impact.

Architects | Aug 14, 2018

AIA takes a firmer stand on making schools safer with better design

The Institute urges the formation of a federal clearinghouse for best practices, and wants security-related design to be eligible for grants.

Architects | Aug 9, 2018

The convergence of product design and architecture

Great design is born out of simplicity, purity, timelessness, unobtrusiveness and intuitiveness.

Architects | Aug 1, 2018

Client experience as competitive advantage for AEC firms

Clients are looking for solutions to their business problems from collaborative advisors. They’ve come to expect a higher level of service and detail than what was provided in the past.

AEC Tech | Jul 24, 2018

Weidt Group’s Net Energy Optimizer now available as software as a service

The proprietary energy analysis tool is open for use by the public.

Building Owners | Jul 17, 2018

Are we facing a new era in Foreign Direct Investment?

The construction industry is already feeling the effects of the recent tariffs, not only with higher steel and aluminum prices, but with higher prices on Canadian lumber.

Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018

NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.

The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.

Office Buildings | Jul 17, 2018

Transwestern report: Office buildings near transit earn 65% higher lease rates

Analysis of 15 major metros shows the average rent in central business districts was $43.48/sf for transit-accessible buildings versus $26.01/sf for car-dependent buildings.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021