Architect Upcycles Textile Waste into Decorative Bricks | FabBRICK

Decorative Bricks | FabBRICK

Despite being known for glitz and glamour, the fashion industry is one of the leading polluters. A report from the UN Environment Programme suggests that the fashion industry alone is responsible for an estimated 8 per cent of global carbon emissions, with 92 million ton of solid waste and 20 per cent of global wastewater per year. With this rate, the global annual construction waste, by comparison, is expected to reach 2.2 billion ton by 2025.

 

French architect Clarisse Merlet developed an idea for her school project to curb this problem without even releasing its full potential of it. Concerned about the issue of pollution in the construction industry, she started making bricks with waste from plastic bottles, cardboard and eventually textile. This led to the formation of FabBRICK in 2019, where she turned her idea into a proper construction material that offers reliable technical performance and a unique visual appeal. “To achieve this goal, we send companies the textile waste they produce back, after having transformed it into design products or interior fittings so that they can realise how much waste they produce each year,” adds Clarisse Merlet, architect and founder, FabBRICK.

Merlet and the team experimented with different techniques before finding the process that would be used to produce the bricks. They started by compressing the textile into a mould. A crusher is used to transform the textile into fibres and little pieces of fabrics. These fabrics are then mixed with a binding which results in the formation of a clay-like material that can be later shaped in a mould.

The designing process takes place in steps. The first step begins with accepting discarded clothes at their studio in Paris where the pile of clothes is sorted by colours. Merlet informs that for each project, the customer chooses the format and the colour. FabBRICK has developed around 10 different sizes, and as they do not dye their bricks, the colour is obtained by the textile they use. The textile is then shredded to obtain three shapes of fibre, namely, 7 mm, 20 mm and 40 mm. Depending on the project, the size is picked. Made from 100 per cent ecological ingredients, rot-proof glue is made, which is then mixed in the fibres by hand. The mixture is weighed every time to make sure each brick has the same density. It takes about 30 mins to shape the mixture into a brick once it is set to mould in the machine, which can produce 200 bricks a day. The bricks are dried in ambient air for 10-15 days.

According to Merlet, the brick has a very good mechanical resistance almost like a concrete block. It also has good insulating quality, acoustic and thermal, and is resistant to fire and water. This makes the brick an ideal choice for indoor use including furniture, partition walls and seats.

With a futuristic upgrading, Merlet aims to improve her artisanal manufacturing process to an industrial one. “Today, we can provide all our materials and tools to our clients within a radius of 100 km. Tomorrow we would like to set up a FabBRICK factory in every region and country which produces textile waste,” she informs. 

Photographs: Clarisse Merlet; Courtesy: FabBRICK

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Iranian-Inspired Brick Facade of This Building in Tehran Regulates Heat and Filters Harsh Sunlight

The Zendegi Building in Tehran by Faraman Design combines traditional Persian architecture with modern functionality. Its brick facade, inspired by Iranian heritage, regulates heat while allowing natural light and ventilation.

Read more

Greenply Industries of India and Samet of Türkiye come together offering exceptional furniture accessories to elevate living spaces worldwide

This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet has commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat

Read more

Twisted Brick Shell Library in China | HCCH Studio

The pavilion consists of two brick hemispheres connected by a twisting wall made of perforated steel plates and in-situ concrete.

Read more

Innovative Use of Recycled Stones and Copper-Colored Bricks  in This Tehran Building by Hooba Design Group

The Darya Residential Apartment Building in Tehran, designed by Hooba Design Group, includes open-air terraces lined with copper-colored glazed bricks that enhance light and air circulation within the structure.

Read more


This is alt