The architectural firm Henn and the Dresden University of Technology in Germany have collaborated to complete the world’s first building made from carbon concrete – a type of concrete reinforced with carbon fibers instead of steel, as reported by Design Boom on February 23.
The Cube is said to be the world’s first building constructed from carbon concrete. (Photo: Stefan Mueller)
Named The Cube, this 243m2 building was created to test new materials. The Cube will serve as a laboratory and event space within the campus of the Dresden University of Technology.
The standout feature of The Cube is its slender, twisting exterior, which evokes images of carbon fibers while demonstrating the properties of the new material – lighter and stronger than traditional concrete. The structure utilizes carbon concrete for its ceilings and seamlessly connected walls. The ceiling features a narrow diagonal opening that provides natural light.
The diagonal cut forms the skylight of the building. (Photo: Stefan Groeschel)
Professor Manfred Curbach and his Solid Construction Institute at the Dresden University of Technology collaborated with a team of designers, architects, material performance experts, photographers, and model makers at Henn to develop The Cube. The project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany, marking a successful experiment in the fields of material science and innovative architecture.
“Carbon fibers are lightweight, at 1/4 the weight of steel, and are approximately 6 times stronger. They are also resistant to corrosion. This means that the carbon fiber reinforcement does not require as much concrete encasement to protect against water. A block of carbon concrete of the same size can bear greater loads,” said Giovanni Betti, an expert at Henn.
“The components and structures of the building can be designed thinner, leading to material savings of 50% or more. This could help reduce CO2 emissions and the consumption of valuable resources like water and sand,” Betti added.
