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

Architects | Feb 27, 2018

But first, let me take a selfie: Designing sharable moments

The concept of “selfie walls” has been around for years, but with their growing popularity they have begun to evolve and take on a life of their own.

Market Data | Feb 27, 2018

AIA small firm report: Half of employees have ownership stake in their firm

The American Institute of Architects has released its first-ever Small Firm Compensation Report.

Museums | Feb 26, 2018

*UPDATED* Design team unveils plans for the renovated and expanded Gateway Arch Museum

The goal of the project is to create closer and more robust connections between the Gateway Arch Museum and the landscape of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

Architects | Feb 23, 2018

AIA elevates 152 members and two international architects to the College of Fellows

AIA Fellowship recognizes significant contributions to profession of architecture and society.  

Airports | Feb 21, 2018

Terminal Modernization: Why Bother? Part II

This is the second post in our series examining why airport operators should bother to upgrade their facilities, even if capacity isn’t forcing the issue.

Urban Planning | Feb 21, 2018

Leading communities in the Second Machine Age

What exactly is the Second Machine Age? The name refers to a book by MIT researchers Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee.

Retail Centers | Feb 20, 2018

Is there a future in retail banking? Part II

It is critical to not view the physical branch as just another sales channel, but as an important touchpoint along a customer’s journey.

Architects | Feb 15, 2018

AIASF Equity by Design to launch 2018 Equity in Architecture Survey

AIA San Francisco (AIASF) and the Equity by Design Committee, launched the third national Equity in Architecture Survey on February 12, 2018. Building upon the survey conducted in 2016, the third survey will further advance the national movement for equitable practice in the profession.

Urban Planning | Feb 14, 2018

6 urban design trends to watch in 2018

2017 saw the continuation of the evolution of expectations on the part of consumers, developers, office workers, and cities.

Office Buildings | Feb 13, 2018

Office market vacancy rate at 10-year low

Cautious development and healthy absorption across major markets contributed to the decline in vacancy, according to a new Transwestern report.

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