TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE

Brutalists look out. A new type of concrete has been developed, and it looks almost ethereal. Images of LiTraCon, the Light Transmitting concrete – make it look strangely like styrofoam. Hungarian architect Ron Losonczi invented this stuff three years, by embedding optical glass fibers into concrete. LitraCon has the strength of traditional concrete, but light can pass through it (through the glass fibers). Walls made LitraCon allow silhouettes of the outside world to be transmitted into the interior of a building. This stuff looks amazing. I think the image below is a digital representation as opposed to a real photograph, but I’m not totally sure. I can’t wait to see some buildings made out of this.

Did I mention this guy Losonczi is only 27? Nice going, Ron.

Via Optics.org

8 Responses to “TRANSLUCENT CONCRETE”

Ron Cook Says:

June 2nd, 2005 at 3:39 am

:-) This is outstanding. Just think of the possibilities. A few little tweaks and we have buildings that can let natural light in without losing strength by adding windows. Next will come buildings that can be cast, and the possibilities remain endless.

Donovan Mramba Says:

June 4th, 2005 at 4:41 pm

I think transluscent concrete is a masterpiece, seeing engineering being so productive really stimulates our brains as civil engineering students.Though it’s kinda freeky when one thinks of a peaceful sleep in isolated areas. The thought of being watched during you sleep. Can someone see your shadow from the outside?

g busch Says:

June 5th, 2005 at 8:15 pm

Fantastic possibilites. Best thing to happen to concrete since the Romans.

ARIF MASOUD Says:

August 13th, 2005 at 2:42 am

Sounds lovely.. The striking-est memory of conc is its visual blockage of natural light… and if this is evolved into a light transmiting surface…absolutely great. It is wonderful to imagine its applications… Three cheers to the inventors !!
Now: If I want to specify for a very important project.. who should I contact???