Digital Architecture Research Technology (DART), based in Michigan has created a biodegradable formwork out of sawdust. The intention is to re-use this waste product to create something functional during the construction phase of buildings. According to DART, 15 billion trees are cut down worldwide each year, which creates millions of pounds of sawdust that often ends up in landfill.
To create the formwork, DART mixed sawdust with biopolymers and additives to create its structure and strength. The mixture was then 3D printed into a 1.8 meter column (with a hollow center). The team then poured concrete into the column and once dry, the sawdust formwork was peeled off. The sawdust material was then saved and recycled by adding water and reused over 25 times to create additional columns.
Location – Michigan
Website – www.dartlab.umich.edu
Photo Credit – Dartlab
