Recycle & Reuse: The “Material World” Archive
Re-thinking the way we build!
Green building is not always about developing innovative new technologies such as the one I described in my post on green roofing.
Often, simple techniques such as being aware of construction waste and composting can reduce the amount of waste entering our landfills.
Keeping this in mind, the SFGate has an article archive on new ways to build with alternative materials.
For example, one article cites the use of styrofoam (EPS block) as architectural moldings, door & window times and even wall partitions (with plastic bracket supports).
The blocks are laser cut from larger foam blocks and attached onto steel supports, just as wood blocks would be used. They can be cut quickly and precisely, while saving weight.
And though not mentioned in the article, styrofoam would not have any termite issues which are prevalent in North America.
There are some drawbacks, however – styrofoam is not biodegradable and ends up in landfills at the end of its life cycle. Features needing greater detail such as decorative molding still require wood.
As a civil engineer, I’ve seen various uses of styrofoam as a building material. It’s versatile, cost-effective and effective in saving weight. One interesting analysis to see would be the Life Cycle Assessment of the total emissions of wood saved vs. transport and disposal of EPS block to landfills.
