One Airport Square in Accra, Ghana uses an innovative brise soleil of concrete to let light in while keeping heat out, which greatly reduces the cost of cooling.
Search Results for: concrete
Yes, you read the title correctly – reversible concrete! It seems like an oxymoron – concrete is known for its stability and strength, and its permanence. Well, not anymore! Last October at the Chicago Architecture Biennial, Self-Assembly Lab at MIT and Gramazio Kohler Research of ETH Zurich showed off a process that might finally one-up…
A new company in Portland, Oregon is gearing up to manufacture large quantities of the latest product in the ICF (insulated concrete forms) world. Â BluBloc offers a twist on standard ICF products – it uses recycled styrofoam instead of manufacturing new for use in the forms. BluBloc is 85% recycled polystyrene foam (styrofoam) and 15%…
This post is part of the Green Materials Report series. GBE is providing information on various building materials and what makes them green. Each post focuses on one material. We will be looking at the ingredients in the material, how it is used, what makes it green, and any green product certifications that it has earned. We…
I recently wrote about an innovative concrete dome. Turns out others have been built that are beautiful, structurally sound, and well worth mentioning. One is Monolithic Dome. What follows has been taken from their website. What are Monolithic Domes? They are super structures! Monolithic Domes are constructed following a method that requires a tough, inflatable Airform,…
Building innovations like this inflatable concrete dome may revolutionize certain building standards — roofs, for instance. Look at the interior  photographic perspective. Remember Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome? When concrete shells are constructed, they usually have to be supported by elaborate timber structures. A revolutionary technique developed at the Vienna University of Technology now uses…
There is something amazingly raw and beautiful in cast concrete forms and buildings. These forms can become any shape imaginable and all that is required is the form to hold the concrete as it dries. Panels of remarkable sizes can be placed on site in construction zones, allowing buildings to rise in record breaking time…
Building green is trendy these days in the construction and remodeling industry. There are environmental experts who point to concrete as a suitable material for green construction, including concrete floors, concrete homes and concrete countertops.
A shed is a vital part of any backyard, and this metal storage sheds review will help you make the right choice when it comes to choosing the perfect one for your needs. The best metal storage sheds are made from durable materials that can withstand all types of weather conditions. They come in various…
Mops are essential tools for cleaning floors. They remove dirt and grime from surfaces such as wood, ceramic, linoleum, vinyl, marble, granite, terrazzo, concrete, and even tile. There are several types of mops, including wet mops, dry mops, steam mops, and vacuum mops. In fact, there are so many kinds of mops, it can be…
Rafters are often used to construct shed roofs because they are strong and easy to install. However, they can require skilled labor. Trusses are used to build sheds because they are faster than rafters. Trusses are stronger than rafters, but they’re also harder to make – they’re usually done in a factory. Rafters are easy…
Are you looking for the best garage floor tiles? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll show you some of the best options out there. Garage floors are often neglected because they don’t get much traffic. That’s why you should invest in good quality garage floor tiles. They add…
Backyard sheds are some of the most common areas that people tend to dump stuff. Whether that involves unwanted toys, tools, or general household items, it is a common dumping ground for many households. If you have experience dread when you are thinking about looking for something in the shed, or even if you want…
Chickens are some of the best animals to care for when talking about traditional farmyard animals. Their waste makes for great fertilizer, and they eat weeds in your green patches. They’re nature’s little lawnmowers! However, coming up with a design or idea for what their coop or shed should look like can be a frustrating…
Many homeowners have understandable concerns and reservations as to how much new Harbor Freight solar panels will cost and whether they will last. To help you make an important decision, we have put together all you need to know about Harbor Freight solar panels, and how long you can expect them to last. What Are…
Solar lamp posts are an easy way to improve your yard’s curb appeal while adding functional lighting for security and nighttime activities. Because they are proven to consume less energy, solar lighting will also help to lower your energy bill. (1) And the best part is solar lamp posts require little to no maintenance. Seems…
Ever wondered how much automatic driveway gates cost? Find out what choices change the price, and discover if this exciting home upgrade is right for you
Looking for the best solar attic fan from the hundreds of options available online? We can tell you straight away what the ‘best’ model is. But is it the right one for your attic and your needs? You don’t want to end up with a bulky, expensive fan that doesn’t actually do what you need…