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earth blocks and self-healing concrete
The global pollution that has contributed to climate change is a result of the choices we make in our daily lives. It is almost impossible to live a modern life style without playing a part in this. Many people would like a change, but it is often difficult to find an alternative. At the Academy of Architecture we stimulate the students to embracing sustainable design and incorporating natural raw materials. We invited Bregt Hoppenbrouwers from BC-Materials, Brussels to teach our pre-master group (Minor Architectuur) about building with a local resource: Earth. In three workshops over six days the students were taught to recognise the properties of clay, silt, sand and gravel and how to utilise these when combined with water, straw and hemp. As part of the experiment we also encouraged the students to bring soil from their own backyards to compare the differences and make them aware of the possibilities in using local materials.During the workshop we created 168 earth blocks measuring 15x15x15cm. The blocks were made in 12 batches of 14, each batch with a unique combination of ingredients, in order for the students to be able to compare and study their behaviour. With the block work structure we are aiming to showcase the richness of the earth and the value of local raw materials. Around 50% of the global populations are living in earth buildings, predominately found in countries with a dry climate, making it easier to construct and maintain with those materials. In places like Europe, with a more wet climate, there are also examples of earth buildings, but these require a specific design that protect the earth stucture against rain and groundwater. The base of the object we designed consists of two layers of bacteria-based self-healing concrete blocks that prevent groundwater rises up into the earth blocks. This concrete is an innovative invention by Henk Jonkers, Materials & Environment Research Group, TU-Delft. Furthermore we placed the structure under a cantilevered building to shelter it from the rain. This research-based object is part of an exhibition of sustainable experiments from Living Labs- AMS Institute and aims to reveal and inspire people that pass by the Marine Area. 

Marlies Boterman

Amsterdam Academy of Architecture