ORGANIC CONCRETE
by Jill Fehrenbacher
Lisbon based e-studio has recently developed an organic concrete. The Bet?o Org?nico has a permeable surface which allows plants to grow out of it. This new material exploits concrete?s capacity to trap water and retain humidity, so the substance can nourish plants even during a dry spell. The organic concrete makes it possible to create permeable living surfaces, allowing architects and urban designers to incorporate a bit of greenery directly into their designs.
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Interesting idea - two questions though - (1) would the permeability lead to premature degredation and failure in cold climates? i.e.: water getting in there, freezing, and cracking the concrete? (2) Plants and their roots have a habit of breaking up whatever they’re planted in - i.e.: breaking down rocks and so on - is this a concern here?