Partnership explores eco-friendly bio cement

The design is based on coral reefs, using sand, wood and microorganisms to create a more environmentally friendly building material

Spotted:  The London-based designer Asif Khan has partnered with the American cement industry innovator Biomason to explore eco-friendly cement. 

According to global design magazine, Wallpaper*, the cement was the result of a 2020 Wallpaper* Re-Made project in which Khan and Biomason’s collaborative efforts culminated in a shelving unit built from ingots of bio cement, entitled “Coral Reef”.

Just as coral reefs are formed in marine environments, Biomason’s bioLITH cement tiles are grown using microorganisms. Biomason first developed its technology in 2009 in Sharjah, which is why the sand for the tiles is obtained from Sharjah. Once the aggregate is mixed with microorganisms, it is pressed into shape, fed an aqueous solution, and hardened as desired.

Biomason, co-founded by CEO Ginger Krieg Dosier, told Wallpaper that “Our bio cement is revolutionary, with low carbon emissions, and has the ability to be used throughout the built environment, not just in tiles.” 

The design is now finalised and the first prototype has already been built in Khan’s east London workshop. The new “Coral Reef” project will feature a tactile structure that alternates bioLITH tiles made using Sharjah sand and wooden slats to provide greater structural support.  

Where “Coral Reef” is concerned, the possibilities are endless. For example, the design could be applied to a bookshelf, a display case or screen. Further design initiatives could explore more complex forms made from the cement such as a pavilion or inhabitable structure.

The versatility of cement can be seen in other innovations spotted by Springwise, such as paint made using residue from cement recycling which can sequester carbon from the air and the ‘world’s first’ rechargeable cement-based batteries.

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