What the Project Is
Envirocrete brings a sustainable & efficient alternative building solution by employing alternative building technologies, methods & materials. Envirocrete® Raw is a special type of green, light-weight aggregate that provides the perfect combination of the structural properties of cement & the thermal insulation and acoustic properties of wood. Envirocrete® Mix is a special type of green concrete that when batched with ordinary Portland Cement ASTM-C150-Type-I & water can be used to produce concrete products such as hollow core blocks, hollow core slabs, solid precast wall panels, light weight floors, decking and roof systems. The Envirocrete® Construction System represents an innovative unique alternative building process that combines best practice of Bio-Climatic Architecture and Engineering with off-site pre-fabrication industrial production technology. Head offices have been established in the first EnviroCrete Bio-Climatic house built in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in merging sustainable innovation with proven construction methods…
Main Benefit
- Uses alternative building technologies for eco-friendly construction
- Employs Envirocrete® Raw for a superior blend of cement strength and wood-like insulation
- Envirocrete® Mix combines with ordinary Portland Cement ASTM-C150-Type-I to create versatile concrete products
- Innovative alternative building process that integrates Bio-Climatic Architecture and Engineering with pre-fabrication
- Contact and office details: Envirocrete Pty Ltd, Holding 205, Jewel Beetle Street, Raslouw, Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng 0109, South Africa with extended office hours (Mo-Fr: 8:00-19:00; Sa & Su: 8:00-16:00) and telephone +27 (82) 7490633
Historical Innovation and Legacy
Founded in South Africa in 2015 by Shaiek Coe and Roberto Pane, Envirocrete Pty Ltd is a proud 100% black woman-owned company with a BBEEE Level 1 rating. The roots of Envirocrete go back to 1982 when the Envirocrete material was first introduced in Europe to produce highway acoustic barriers across the Italian – French Alps over a distance of 30 km. Then, starting in 1992, the innovative wood-based concrete was successfully employed to produce ecological houses all over Italy, Southern France and North Africa. This legacy stands as a testament to the material’s enduring effectiveness and environmental benefits, and it continues to inspire modern alternative building technologies today…
Eco-Friendly Construction Materials
At the heart of Envirocrete’s innovation is its ingenious construction material entirely based on recycled scrap wood, which is treated to produce a light-weight aggregate. This aggregate substitutes 100% of the ordinary sand and stone aggregates in conventional concrete ready mix. The process not only leverages recycled materials but also upholds well established concrete industry building standards, technologies, and machinery. Precast building components such as hollow blocks, precast load-bearing wall panels, roof panels, and hollow core slabs can all be produced using Envirocrete’s versatile material. The blend is both cost-effective and energy-efficient—qualities that resonate well with developers, contractors and builders as they strive to deliver bioclimatic, energy-efficient ecological houses and high-rise structures in a timely manner.
Innovative Construction Process
This innovative Alternative Building Technology (ABT) marries the best practices of Bio-Climatic Architecture with off-site industrial production methods. The construction process is designed to not only reduce build times but also to offer competitive costs without compromising quality. This means that both ecological houses and high-rise structures can be developed with efficiency and sustainability in mind. The combination of recycled materials with proven construction techniques creates a unique synergy, allowing for the production of building components that perform exceptionally in terms of strength, insulation, and acoustics. It is a process that celebrates eco-friendly innovation and reimagines the way buildings are constructed as well as the potential for future architectural design…
Revolutionizing the Concrete Industry
Envirocrete’s approach represents a significant deviation from conventional methods by proving that recycled materials and innovative design can co-exist with industrial standards. The construction components produced using the Envirocrete® system have proven themselves in various applications, offering a blend of durability and ecological considerations. This revolutionary approach challenges traditional norms and invites stakeholders to rethink how concrete and building materials can be adapted for a sustainable future. Even with its industrial roots, the process carries a distinct creative and practical flair that makes it accessible yet highly functional in modern construction projects.
Project Impact
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Looking to the Future
There is a clear vision embedded in Envirocrete’s operations—a future where sustainable practices meet cutting-edge technology to reshape the building landscape. By integrating a material that is both eco-friendly and innovative with advanced production methods, the project paves a new road in the construction industry. The strategic location of the head offices in South Africa, coupled with a rich historical legacy spanning Europe, positions the project as a bridge between traditional expertise and forward-thinking ecological practices. With a friendly nod to modern needs and an eye on the future, Envirocrete’s sustainable construction material is setting the stage for a transformation in building practices that is both efficient and environmentally responsible. The emphasis on recycling scrap wood into a highly efficient and light-weight aggregate ensures that every project using this material contributes to a healthier planet while continuing to meet the high standards of the concrete industry…
