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16 February 2014

Bricks Grown From Bacteria

Brick Grown From Bacteria

Olá,

Recently, I came across this article on ArchDaily - BRICKS GROWN FROM BACTERIA.

BioMason is a start-up company that has developed a method of growing bricks from microorganisms and naturally abundant materials.

This method has no negative impact on the environment compared with concrete, glass, steel and wood:
“global cement production in 2008 amounted to 2.8 billion tons, with equivalent quantities of CO2 released into the atmosphere”. The energy intensive series of processes, ranging from extracting of the raw material, transportation, and fuel sources for heating kilns, contribute to the fact that “40% of global carbon dioxide emissions are linked to the construction industry.  - bioMason
Recently, I have become very interested in BIOMIMICRY - the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. (Wikipedia)

The method discovered by bioMason 'mimics' nature by combining bacteria with a nutrient, nitrogen and calcium source and allows for the formation of natural cement in ambient temperatures.  The materials for biocements are inexpensive, globally abundant and can be sourced from waste byproducts.

BioCement being grown 

The best part is that biocements take less than 5 days to produce a pre-cast material.

I see so many possibilities using this method and the best part, it does not negatively affect the environment.

Mother Nature is SO AWESOME!!

- Eddy