Make your own ethical fashion from recycled plastic nets

The Risacca Project aims to turn the oceans’ garbage patches filled with plastic pollution into more than a dystopian memory. They’re using recycled nets recovered from the ocean to create ethical fashion. In fact, they’re giving you the opportunity to visit their lab and create your own upcycled products with their machines.

The idea: to recover more and more plastic and turn it into everything from pens to outdoor furniture. The dream is to start in Periferica, a cultural park in Mazara, but then create new centers in every Italian port.

Related: Notpla plant-based packaging is helping the world plastic problem

Half the waste in garbage patches like those discovered in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are from fishing nets abandoned at sea.

“With a ton of net, you can get 200 chairs, 2,000 covers, 10,000 buttons and many other objects that are part of our daily life,” the team said. “But to do this, three ingredients are needed: a team of experts, a participatory community and a laboratory.”

The Risacca Project wanted to create the first lab specialized in the recycling and reuse of fishing nets in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. The location is where the designers are from and many fishermen use these kinds of nets. The founding team set out to create a “social tailoring and recycling center where artisans and operators will be able to take care of all phases of product regeneration.”

Products available through Kickstarter for supporting the Risacca Project include a shopping bag, 3D tile, clutch bag, Undertow recovered mesh bag and a rattan pot that looks like a purse made in the style of a lobster trap. You can also make your own products in the lab with the expertise of the design team on loan.

The founding team is made up of three professionals with backgrounds in design, regeneration and impact. They are based in Mazara, which is a historic fishing port. Mazara has been experiencing a recent crisis of unemployment and generational aging out of the working population, so the team wanted to create an innovative way to generate jobs while protecting the environment.

“In Mazara, every year more than 10 tons of fishing nets are discarded whose disposal costs weigh on the economies of fishermen, who are sometimes forced to resort to illegal methods of disposal,” said the team. “Through the laboratory, we will be able to recover tons of nets and generate an impact for the community.”

+ Project Risacca

Images via Project Risacca

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These recycled plastic concrete blocks are zero-waste

ByBlock concrete blocks from ByFusion Global are a new alternative building material that uses hard-to-recycle plastic. The blocks are colorful and made of recycled plastic. Each measures 16 by 8 by 8 inches and weighs a hefty 22 pounds.

As the ByFusion website explains, “ByBlock is the first construction-grade building material made entirely from recycled (and often un-recyclable) plastic waste.”

Related: Notpla plant-based packaging is helping the world plastic problem

The ByBlock concrete blocks are designed to be installed without glue or adhesive, just like a normal concrete block. Unlike cinderblocks, ByBlock won’t crack or crumble. The manufacturer also guarantees that the creation process for ByBlocks is zero-waste. One ton of plastic makes 1 ton of ByBlock, and no special knowledge or labor is required to use them.

These colorful building blocks are beautiful and functional. The company suggests using them to build retaining walls, soundproofing walls, sheds, terraces and furniture. Used in place of cement blocks in a building’s foundation or inner walls, ByBlock can be indistinguishable from concrete blocks. However, the ByBlock’s unique appearance can also stand out in other projects.

ByFusion Global has been partnering with the city of Boise, Idaho, to collect recycled plastics from residents’ homes to create the new building blocks. Only 20% of residents participated, but that was still enough to provide three tons of material to make ByBlocks. By working with recycling facilities and municipalities, ByFusion can turn municipal waste into a useable upcycled material. The best news? This program works without the plastics having to be sorted, cleaned, or processed first. This means easier recycling and better outcomes to solve the plastics pollution problem.

ByFusion says its manufacturing process is carbon neutral, and no extra chemicals are required. The plastic is not melted in the upcycling process, and standard building materials such as drywall, siding and tile can be applied to the surface of the blocks.

+ ByFusion Global

Via Core77

Images via ByFusion Global

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4D printing is revolutionizing the printing world

It wasn’t so long ago that 3D printing was the new kid on the block. Now the term 4D printing is making headlines, stretching our ability to conceptualize once again. To understand 4D printing, it helps to have a better familiarity with 3D printing.

But first: What is 3D printing?

3D printing was originally developed in 1984 by Charles Hull. However, it was 2007 before anyone other than businesses and the one ultra-techie neighbor on the block gained access to 3D printers that used filament instead of ink. That’s because they finally became affordable for the house user around that time. Since then, like most technology, 3D printers have become smaller, faster, cheaper and more versatile. 

Related: IKEA introduces new 3D-printed consumer line in Germany 

The first 3D printers were slow, meticulously producing a  single letter or a small figurine over a 12-hour window. Now we’re printing 3D houses, replacement parts, interior design pieces, furniture and so much more.

What is 4D printing?

In brief, 4D printing expands 3D printing with a fourth dimension that is temporal or relating to time. It means that the fourth “D” allows the product to change shape over time. 

This additional component will create exponential growth in printing opportunities. A fraction of that potential comes from the process itself. But in major part, it’s due to the materials that will be used once the technology is worked out. 

The materials will have the capability to come to life, responding to elements in the environment surrounding it. While 3D printing is rigid, 4D will bring movement to the final products without mechanical systems. That basically means that the smart materials used in 4D printing will be able to respond to fluctuations in heat, light, pressure and other external stimuli, while still having a foundation in the solid components introduced from 3D printing. 

How does 4D printing work?

The process is a reflection of nature. Imagine how plants respond to changes in weather, such as flowers closing when it rains or releasing seeds when the seasons change. From that, you’ll get a better idea of the response capabilities of 4D-printed materials. 

The applications for 4D printing are expansive and varied. In the construction realm, it could be used to make rigid, yet flexible, pipes that expand under pressure of high-water flow and contract as needed. It can provide materials for anything from cars to rockets to artificial limbs.

Remember those dehydrated washcloths and towels that are about the size of a quarter but grow once submerged into water? Now imagine it was originally 4D printed. If it was 3D printed, it would stay in the rigid 3D form. But as a 4D-printed object, it has the ability to respond to stimuli, such as hot water, just like the growing towels. 

“This is truly a radical shift in our understanding of structures, which have up to this point, remained static and rigid (aerospace, automotive, building industries, etc.) and will soon be dynamic, adaptable and tunable for on-demand performance,” said Skylar Tibbits from The Self-Assembly Lab, MIT. “4D printing enhanced by multi-materials technology may likely revolutionize our ability to control and precisely program materials from idea-conception to printing shape-changing transformations.”

What is possible with 4D printing?

The technology holds promise in the fight against climate change and manufacturing waste. As with 3D printing, 4D produces basically zero waste. Since the printing is commanded by software, immediate adjustments in the command prompt means there won’t be copious prototypes filling up landfills. In other words, design changes happen in keystrokes rather than creating physical waste. 

In addition to efficiency in printing design, the materials used in 4D printing offer cleaner and more sustainable options. The sky’s the limit with material selection. The few labs working to develop the systems don’t even fully grasp the possibilities.

However, considering the relatively quick advancements in 3D technology since its introduction, it’s promising to contemplate what might result from 4D technology. It could mean using completely natural materials, relying on recycled ingredients. It could also mean building anything from life-saving medical supplies to bridges without plastic. 

The technology is still in its infancy, yet the possibilities are enthralling to consider. We are looking at a future with artificial veins that expand and contract, pipes that mend themselves when cracked and the capacity to build shoes that respond to the movement of your foot. 4D printing is a viable solution for printing in outer space or even remote areas of our planet. 

The technology will also provide greater flexibility for printers. Where we are currently limited by the size of the printer, with 4D printing, products can be printed in small form and set to grow into its final shape once on location. This opens the door for chairs that expand, stents that can be inserted into the human body and programmed to open once in the right location and solutions to emergency housing. 

As futuristic as it all sounds, 4D printing will likely be part of our everyday lives in ways we’re still trying to imagine. 

Via Stulpteo and Arch Daily

Images via David Correa / Achim Menges and Self-Assembly Lab, MIT; Carbitex LLC; Autodesk Inc.

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Green design brings this cabin to the city

They say the key to good real estate is location, location, location. But in the case of this home, dubbed the City Cabin, the architectural and environmental design supersedes its location on a basic urban lot.

Set in an established residential area of Seattle, City Cabin is a reflection of the owner’s dedication to nature. This is seen through the selection of natural materials, an urban forest and green design.

Related: This backyard cottage in Seattle is only 800 square feet

“The client wanted to feel like she was living in the wilderness when, in fact, her home is on a regular-sized urban neighborhood lot,” said Design Principal Jim Olson.

The 2,400-square-foot house sits on the corner of the lot in order to accent large gardens on the south and east sides. Plantings of dense greenery and mature trees fill the space for an instant immersion into nature. The home’s orientation lends itself to copious sun exposure and garden views through generous windows in all the primary living spaces. 

The design offers natural light and heating that work in conjunction towards the goal of zero-energy consumption. To further support that goal, the home is equipped with solar panels and an air-to-water heat pump. 

The layout of City Cabin places the main living area in the center, with wings on either side that house the master suite and the guest space separately. A 16-foot ceiling in the open kitchen and living space is flooded with natural light, even in the often clouded skies of Seattle. The view opens into the landscaped yard for both the indoor-outdoor experience and privacy. 

Interior designer Christine Burkland took inspiration from the client’s comprehensive Native American art collection, setting a tone for a palette that includes concrete floors tinted with a red hue. Throughout the space, the client’s love of nature is reflected in the natural, unstained plywood chosen for its durability and simplicity.

The facade is composed of reclaimed fir siding sourced from a nearby fruit storage warehouse. Recycled for the project, the wood will weather naturally with minimal maintenance. A sedum green galvanized steel roof further complements the natural design elements. 

“The client is an avid conservationist dedicated to preserving existing forests,” said Olson. “Here, she is creating a tiny new forest in the heart of the city.”

+ Olson Kundig 

Photography by Aaron Leitz

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Check out these tiles that promote healthy interiors

One of the challenges that individuals in sustainable construction face is maintaining a balance of environmentally-friendly construction and aesthetics in order to foster a healthy living environment. However, through selective material choice, this can be achieved. Andrea Hörndler and Hannes Wizany document one such example in their blog, “Place to Be.” They set out to construct an ecological house that is fully sustainable without sacrificing design. Their eco-house incorporates a variety of environmentally-friendly materials, including Agrob Buchtal tiles that are eco-friendly, elegant and improve indoor air quality.

Located on a steep hill in the outskirts of Linz, Austria, Hörndler and Wizany’s house floats over the landscape. The sustainably-harvested wood volume suspends from a recycled steel structure that projects off the steep hillside. In view of the climate, the house features insulation made from salvaged wheat straw and building panels made from straw, clay plaster and clay slabs.

Related: These beautiful tiles are made from recycled eggshells

One of the challenges Hörndler and Wizany faced was designing the bathroom ecologically, especially since waterproofing materials are often unsustainable. However, they finally settled on using Agrob Buchtal ceramic tiles for walls and floors. The wall tiles used in the eco-house are from Agrob Buchtal’s District series. They are beveled on all sides and reminiscent of the white tiles found in metro stations of large cities. Their trendy, bright hue complements the more muted, modern grey floor tiles. For maximum benefit, both types of tiles incorporate the Hytect effect. This enhances antibacterial properties, is easy to clean and improves air quality.

The Hytect effect uses the concept of photocatalysis, which means light is used to incite a chemical reaction. The tiles use a mixture of clay and titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst, which induces reactions between light, oxygen and humidity. Through this process, the tiles form active oxygen species that can eliminate odors and air pollutants, and even prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and algae. Since the Hytect effect is part of the ceramic mixture, it does not wear off and is reactivated with exposure to artificial or natural light.

The tiles are also hydrophilic, or water-friendly. When the tiles are wet, the water spreads out as a film on the tile. This mixes with dirt and wipes off without the use of harsh cleaning products.

Through conscious design decisions, sustainable material choices, like Agrob Buchtal tiles, does not need to be dull and unattractive. Conversely, they can enhance the visual quality of a space, whilst minimizing environmental impact.

+ Agrob Buchtal

Images via Lumina Kreativagentur and Ourplacetobe

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These beautiful tiles are made from recycled eggshells

Each year, over 8.5 million metric tons of eggshells are discarded, most of which end up in landfills. Though often thought of as fragile, eggshells are calcium-rich and naturally UV-resistant. Since 2000, Nature Squared has worked with natural waste materials including recycled eggshells, seashells and feathers to create architectural products. In 2020, Nature Squared’s Chief Innovator, Elaine Yan Ling Ng, introduced CArrelé, a collection of high-performance eggshell-based tiles in various colors and shapes.

Inspired by the use of eggshells in the medical industry, Ng’s innovation prevents the biowaste from accumulating in landfills. She also maximizes the material’s calcium-rich properties for buildings. As an homage to the convergence of science and design, the name CArrelé stems from the French word for tile and the chemical symbol for calcium.

Related: Sea Stone Project recycles seashells into mirrors and vases

The tiles recycle organic white eggshells collected from local bakeries and kitchens in the Philippines. These are crushed into fragments with sizes ranging from sand to 3mm. This creates a speckled appearance reminiscent of terrazzo. Once combined with a binding agent, the tiles are shaped into squares, rectangles and triangles of various sizes and left to cure at room temperature.

The composite takes on a variety of colors, depending on the treatment. For earthy, neutral colors, the tiles are “toasted” to produce hues ranging from creams to dark browns. The eggshells absorb dyes well too. Presently, the team has experimented with natural dyes including indigo, chlorophyllin and madder. These are added to the mixture before firing to create rich blue, green, and rose hues.

The CArrelé tiles can be used for a variety of purposes. They are easy to clean and can be used in wet spaces, making them ideal for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls. Currently, Nature Squared is also developing floor tiles using the eggshell composite material. Aside from surface materials, elegant accessories can be made from the CArrelé composite. These bespoke minimalist forms include cylindrical stools, paperweights, bookends, candle holders and trays that match the speckled wall tiles.

Innovations like Ng’s allow for a shift in mindset, especially concerning waste. By exploring the possibilities of biowaste in design, the industry can provide affordable and elegant design solutions while creating a positive environmental impact.

+ Nature Squared

Via Wallpaper

Images courtesy of Nature Squared

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This home and studio in Thailand is energy efficient

Every piece of architecture has its own goal. Inasmuch, the design plan speaks to the look and function of the space. In the case of the Khiankhai Home and Studio in Chiangmai, Thailand it also highlights traditional construction techniques.

Built as a home and studio for composing music, this residential project by architect Sher Maker is a two-story home situated into a hillside for minimal site impact and material efficiency. The home is positioned with the length of the house facing a rural village road in the front and meeting up to existing trees and rice fields in the back. Terraces link the home together in an open-air design that provides passive cooling and a connection to the outside world. 

Related: Reclaimed timber makes up this tranquil nature retreat in Vietnam

Additionally, a concrete wall secures the home to the hillside and creates a daylight basement by design. While the structure houses the typical bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining, living and working spaces, each room is separate, yet connected through a web of wood terraces. 

The use of wood throughout the house serves multiple purposes. The first is to create a visual connection between the home and surrounding trees, including a distinctive White Meranti tree at the center of the house. 

The wood element was also chosen because it resonates with the owner as a source of contact with nature. The wood used for the project was locally sourced — found, treated and recycled in the local area. Beyond the terraces, wood was incorporated into elements throughout the house to create a feeling of home. 

Architects also relied on another natural material that is traditional and easily found in northern Thailand: Lanna tile. Choosing to rely on simple construction methods helped the project be completed at the local level with minimal supply chain impact. 

“In some parts of the process, the [builders] also had the power to make decisions together with the owner. That is why we can say that the home and people grow together,” according to a press release by the architects.

+ Sher Maker

Photography by Rungkit Charoenwat

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