Recently developed products such as transparent wood, hydrogel embedded in walls, and bricks that help filter air pollution could make a substantial impact on building sustainability in coming years.
Swedish researchers have developed a wood material that is 85% transparent by compressing strips of wood veneer and replacing lignin with polymer. It could be a greener alternative to glass and plastic.
The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona has developed a method to use hydrogel to create walls that can cool themselves. The invention places hydrogel bubbles in between ceramic panels that can be installed in existing walls.
An architect in Egypt developed Breathe Bricks to build a wall. The bricks have a faceted surface that pulls outside air into ports, which is then the filtered by an internal “cyclone filter” that spins the air and eliminates particulates.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2017
Changes likely to come to federal wetlands regulations
However, states may step up regulations as feds relax them.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2017
Gentrification means a new mindset for city planners
Rising rents elicit reexamination of zoning principles.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2017
Seventy percent of contractors have trouble finding workers
AGC survey indicates that fewer companies may be able to bid on projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2017
New CTBUH initiatives to investigate link between fire and façades
In wake of Grenfell tragedy, Council forms new workgroup.