

A series of material experiments and physical strength tests were undertaken to develop stronger, economical, sustainable, and low-skilled bio-bricks.







FOOD BLOCKS
2020
Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Sustainable System | Sustainable Architecture | Bio-fabrication | Biocomposites | Material Revolution | Service Design
The food and construction industries strive to accommodate rapid population growth and urban sprawl has led to an unmanageable rate of natural resource consumption and waste pollution. 'Food blocks' is a sustainable system/architecture/waste management that explores the potential properties of abundant food by-products to help reduce and replace raw material extraction for buildings. Food by-products derived bio-stabilizers, fibers, fillers use to enhance the strength of unfired clay bricks for a low impact, biodegradable, and economical building material that could be easily made by the rural communities in Malaysia. Experiments have been conducted to explore food by-products derived fibers and bio-stabilizers in enhancing the strength of unfired clay bricks. The bricks construct an experimental building in a farming village to initiate and inspire an inclusive circular economy. The community hub is open for a regular gallery and workshops. The space is transformable subject to events. It is where the community practice sustainable farming and making, an educational platform for students, a gallery to the public. The proposed lattice-brickwork maximizes natural cooling in the tropical climate. Brickwork patterns inspired by the indigenous weaving emphasize cultural identity.
