2024
HRINGRÁSARVEGGUR
The report, collaboratively prepared by Basalt Architects, EFLA, and Jáverk, procured by Umhverfis-, orku- og loftlagsráðuneytið, examines which Icelandic waste streams could be used used in the construction of interior walls..
This comprehensive analysis evaluates three proposed solutions based on their technical feasibility, durability, ability to meet indoor and environmental quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and the availability of waste streams for mass production. These innovative wall designs are not only reusable but also recyclable at the end of their lifecycle.
Three solutions were analysed:
Cardboard wall
→ Material: Constructed from beverage packaging (e.g., Tetra Pak), following the PackWall concept.
→ Features: This solution offers flexibility in size and color and can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Environmental impact: The circular cardboard wall has a carbon footprint of approximately 1 kg CO2/m², significantly lower than the 12 kg CO2/m² for walls made from plywood, OSB, or plaster.
Glass wall
→ Material: Utilizes glass waste, a significant waste stream in Iceland, known for its density and excellent acoustic properties.
→ Features: The design consists of glass blocks that can be stacked in various configurations. However, Iceland currently has limited glass recycling capacity.
Environmental impact: The carbon footprint for these circular glass walls is about 7 kg CO2/m², compared to 40 kg CO2/m² for traditional glass walls.
Concrete wall
→ Material: Made from concrete blocks that stack without the need for glue or masonry, held together with a thin steel wire system instead of rebar.
→ Features: This solution is ready for mass production and offers significant structural flexibility.
Environmental impact: The circular concrete walls have a carbon footprint of around 18 kg CO2/m², versus 70 kg CO2/m² for conventional concrete walls.
The report provides detailed insights into the wall designs and outlines the next steps required for implementing these solutions on a mass scale.