http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerated_Autoclaved_Concrete
I've been researching this stuff on the internet, you can build a structure with it and slash heating and cooling costs. The air bubbles in the material and how they're spaced cause it to withstand earthquakes (such as AAC structures which survived from an earthquake in Kobe Japan). It withstands enourmous temperatures of about 3000 degrees, and can insulate extremely well. The material can soundproof a building, and is extremely lightweight (for concrete). Using materials which form silica similar to how the Romans constructed the Pantheon, AAC is durable and strong. It's extremely light-weight and can be cut with a hacksaw. It survives fires with ease and emits no toxic fumes either in a fire, or by itself. With solid wall construction and finishes, the chance for pest infestation drops dramaticly, and thus any need for indoor pesticides. Unlike concrete, AAC is cheap and very affordable. AAC doesn't require as much additional materials which tend to become air pollutants, environmental waste and unnecessary labor. It takes less energy to produce than other materials. It's made from raw and recycled materials readily available which produce no waste products or pollution. The Swedish invented it as a means to build without continual deforestation. Most of the material consists of air, which is what gives it the lightweight feature in part, and it's resource efficiency. It doesn't rot, and doesn't degrade over time in any way, is virtually immune to damage, and a stucco finish will mean it never needs repainted. It's a very versatile material, which can be made to look just about however one would want. It can be used for countertops, fireplaces, etc. as well. It's been around since the 1920's, but hasn't been available in America until about a decade ago.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I love the idea of using something like AAC. I'd love to make something a little star wars meets country cottage. With a solar paneled & water collecting roof and a wine turbine. I keep thinking about something like an earth house, and * shape with a comunity cent in the middle w/ a kitchen and living room. The whole south side has a green house for fresh produce, flowers, and indoor air.
So could we spray AAC onto a chicken wire or something frame?
Amy
AAC has been around for a long time outside of the US -since 1924 in fact. All 500 buildings made from AAC in Kobe, Japan survived the huge earthquake. AAC is fireproof, is not a food source for termites and has about 10% of the carbon footprint of concrete (made from Portland Cement).
AAC also takes lime stuccos (sand, lime, water - NO Portland cement) and interior lime plasters.
Getting our various city jurisdictions to accept AAC is another thing. Sadly the building inspections departments tend to attract the bottom 25% of graduates so the candle power available to see what huge benefits a material like AAC can bring is very limited.
We are in discussions with a AAC manufacturer about designing highly affordable (small and simple vs. bloated McMansions), energy efficient houses for ordinary people made almost entirely from AAC (rood, floors, walls, interior partitions etc.). Its been done in the UK, Finland and Sweden so there's no reason at all why it can;t be done in the US.
Phil Allsopp, RIBA, FRSA
TranspolisGlobal
www.transpolisglobal.com
phil_allsopp@transpolisglobal.com
Post a Comment