“Give him land and he will build a castle,” goes an old saying. Researchers of ETH Zurich must have taken it literally. With their new clay impact printing technique, they are about to transform piles of mud into eco-fortresses. But don't expect towers and moats: this development in green construction promises sustainable skyscrapers and homes that breathe with the planet. Concrete has been warned: there's a new king in town, and he's the color of red earth.
The Green Revolution in Construction
The cement industry, you know, is responsible for more than 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A fact that gives pause for thought, especially considering the objectives of theParis Agreement of 2015 to limit the increase in global temperature to 1,5°C. In this context, the innovation brought by researchers at ETH Zurich appears as a breath of fresh air. Literally.
Il Dr. Laurent Vasey and his team have developed a new building material based mainly on clay and silt (I'll link you here official press release). It's not just the composition that's revolutionary: it's the method of use that's making the construction world talk.
Impact Printing: When Clay Takes Shape
How can I explain it to you? I'll try. A giant blowpipe that shoots clay balls at 10 meters per second. There. In the end, this is exactly how the "impact printer" developed by ETH Zurich works.
“Our technology is inspired by 3D printing concrete, but goes further,” explains Dr. Vasey. “The high-speed impact allows the particles to bond naturally, without the need for large amounts of additives.”
The result? Walls and columns that grow almost magically, forming solid and sustainable structures.
The advantages of printed clay in green construction
- SustainabilityClay is a natural and abundant material, with a significantly lower carbon footprint than concrete.
- Construction speed: Unlike concrete, there is no need for long drying breaks.
- Cost reduction: Less waste material means lower construction costs.
- Flexibility: Technology allows for the creation of complex shapes with relative ease.
Do we have any obstacles?
Yes. Of course. There are still hurdles to overcome: so far the ETH Zurich team has only managed to print relatively simple structures. But the Swiss are not giving up:
“We’re working on ways to incorporate support elements during printing,” says Dr. Vasey. “This will allow us to make larger, more complex structures.”
The future of green construction
The innovation from ETH Zurich is not just a technological curiosity: it could represent a real turning point for sustainable construction. Imagine entire cities built with natural materials, that breathe and integrate perfectly with the surrounding environment.
But the implications go beyond sustainability alone. This technology could also revolutionize the way we think about architecture and urban design. Custom homes, created as easily as a child models clay? The only limit would be our imagination.
Concrete has dominated construction for over a century, literally shaping the world we live in. But maybe it's time for a little change. Clay, one of humanity's oldest building materials, could be the key to a more sustainable future in harmony with nature. And a little thought to hemp (always for green construction, don't get me wrong) I would do it.
And you, what do you think? Would you be ready to live in a house “printed” with clay? Do you believe that this technology can really revolutionize construction as we know it? Let me know on FP's social channels your opinion on this fascinating turning point in green construction.
