One of the most visible innovations in the building industry of the last years in terms of materials is undoubtedly Aron Losonczi’s LitraCon, the translucent material combining the strength of concrete with the translucency of glass fibres.

At the same time, the window industry has seen the arrival of self-cleaning glass. Similar techniques are used in other active materials which break down pollutants in the air or surface dirt into water and oxygen. Also in terms of energy-generation, developments in nanotechnology for example are increasing feasibility and efficiency of photovoltaic films incorporated in windows.

While these materials are already on or close to market, one can expect a wide range of new composite materials, intelligent materials and systems to alter our built environment significantly in the coming years. The search for a more sustainable future in terms of dealing with challenges concerning waste, energy, water etc. is accelerating developments in the related field(s).

Image courtesy of LitraCon

Via ExtendLimits

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 at 15:12 and is filed under business, design, future, sustainability, technology, trends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.