Home Building Materials: What Does the Future Hold?

Home Building Materials: What Does the Future Hold?

There are many experts out there racking their brains looking for ways of building greener homes or trying to find solutions to recurring building problems. And what they have come up with is surprising! 

There are many experts out there racking their brains looking for ways of building greener homes or trying to find solutions to recurring building problems. And what they have come up with is surprising! 

Water as Insulation

Matyas Guntai, a Hungarian architect, has developed flame-retardant panels composed of glass and steel. They are designed to hold an important quantity of water, creating a thermal insulation system. This system is installed in home walls. According to the expert, the ambient temperature will be ideal and consistent no matter where you are in the residence. Furthermore, impressive savings on heating could be achieved. 


Rice-Based Panels

Rice is one of the most polluting crops in the world. The rice paddies have to be flooded with water, so several rivers and lakes are diverted to feed them. It is a real ecological disaster. Especially as the resulting waste — rice debris — is burned, contributing to the greenhouse gas effect. Researchers have figured out how to turn this waste into MDF panels. These can be used to build houses, similar to wood MDF panels, but unlike the latter, they are free of formaldehyde glue, making them more environmentally friendly.

Transparent Wood

Researchers at the University of Maryland have achieved a feat that is beyond comprehension: they have created completely transparent wood. Indeed, the team invented a process that removes its colour. This wood is more resistant than its original counterpart: it even fire and water resistant. The windows of the future may very well be made from transparent wood, as they let in more light than glass.

Concrete with Electronic Sensors

Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials. An increasing number of contractors want to take advantage of technological advances to offer a quality product, so they are turning to smart concrete. It holds electronic sensors that provide real-time information about the concrete. For example, if it is dense enough or when it will be completely dry. Information can even be obtained long after the concrete has been poured. This includes knowing when the concrete surface was made, its exact size, and the company that installed it. This innovation allows workers to be faster and more efficient on job sites.

Movable Walls

A few years ago, Chinese architects were constructing buildings using movable walls and structural components that can be modified over time. It’s an impressive and highly environmentally friendly concept: transform a building to suit your needs instead of demolishing it. However, it may take several years for these products to find their way onto the Canadian market.

Biodegradable Ceramic

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Applied Research Institute in Germany has developed ceramics made with organic materials such as natural fibres, microalgae and flax seed oil. These tiles are lighter and more resistant to shock and temperature changes than their counterparts. But what really sets them apart is that they are 100% biodegradable (after many, many years, of course!).

Bricks Made of Recycled Paper

Brick is an essential material when it comes to residential building. An American company has figured out how to make bricks out of used paper. The blocks are a combination of cement and cellulose from recycled paper and cardboard. They provide excellent acoustic and thermal insulation and are mildew and fire resistant.

As you can see, the world of real estate development is constantly evolving!

RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

By RE/MAX Québec

A leader in the real estate industry since 1982, the RE/MAX network brings together the most efficient brokers.