The Venetian Lagoon is home to the city of Venice, famous for its bridges, canals, art, and artists, and the neighboring island of Murano, renowned for its stunning glass creations. Here are some incredible innovations reshaping the construction and building industry.
1. Venetian Glass Bricks
Venetian bricks, inspired by the artistry of Murano glass, are used in high-end stores like Chanel and Hermès, and even in breathtaking skyscrapers in Australia, where 7,380 handmade bricks were used. Each brick typically weighs around 4.7 kg.
2. The Lixel X1 3D Scanner
The Lixel X1 is a compact and lightweight 3D scanner that can be carried in a suitcase or even transported using a drone. It creates 3D models of the environment almost instantly, with a range of 5 cm to 120 m and accuracy of ±2 cm. The scanner offers 90 minutes of non-stop use on a single charge.
3. Local Building Materials by AO
AO promotes the use of local building materials, which reduces transportation time and benefits both customers and the environment. For instance, the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach used earth walls, and in France, AO created special concrete using quarry waste.
4. Vert Edge: Innovative Turf Securing System
Vert Edge is a simple slat system that secures artificial turf, ensuring reliable installation even in public areas. It is invisible, doesn’t rot, and offers 100% reliability. A set of 10 pieces and adhesive costs $73 and covers 7.5 meters.
5. Hager Unibar: Industrial Busway System
Hager Unibar is a busway system designed for industrial use, capable of handling up to 4,000 amps. It consists of only eight main components, making it easy to modify, expand, and upgrade. The system is ideal for data transmission and reliable for high-current applications.
6. Geofoam Blocks for Road Repair
Engineers used geofoam blocks to repair Highway 36 in the US within just 2 months. Six factories produced over 6,100 blocks, which were delivered by 200 truck drivers. The styrofoam cubes were moved into place efficiently, giving the highway a second life.
7. Ricochet: Flexible Wall Protection
Ricochet is a flexible wall protection similar to wallpaper, perfect for high-traffic public areas like clinics. It is resistant to isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other stains. Ricochet is thin, easy to install, and available in various colors and textures.
8. Earthquake Protection by Olympus
Italy, with its many ancient architectural monuments, needs constant protection against earthquakes. Olympus offers products that strengthen wooden beams and solid reinforced concrete slabs, providing increased flexural and shear strength.
9. Void Te: Advanced Cellular Polymer Blocks
Void Te is a collapsible system that offers significant savings and flexibility in construction. It helps save approximately $13.50 per square meter and can be effortlessly trimmed. The system is eco-friendly and provides robust protection beneath foundations.
10. Steum Grating Slabs
Steum grating slabs are ideal for playgrounds and uneven areas, filled with lawn to create a lovely appearance. They are soft yet strong enough to support swings and are useful as improvised islands during rains.
11. IR TR Flooring by Roller Track
IR TR is an advanced flooring system known for its incredible strength, capable of holding up to 200 tons per square meter. It is easy to install and can be used year-round in various environments, from sand to snow.
12. Road Printer: Automated Road Construction
Road Printer is a system that automatically prints roads. It is four times stronger than manually paved roads and offers various block options and designs. The Road Printer Eco, an all-electric model, is faster and more reliable.
13. Colar Technology for House Foundations
Colar technology eliminates the need for concrete in house foundations. It uses steel blocks filled with foam and glass panels, allowing for quick and eco-friendly construction. The system is suitable for buildings up to five stories tall.
14. HoloLens 2 XR10 Trimble Edition
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 XR10 Trimble Edition is an augmented reality headset designed for construction. It allows users to combine virtual copies of buildings with real-world environments, aiding in spotting potential problems and offering training videos for new builders.
Conclusion
These innovative technologies are revolutionizing the construction and building industry, offering solutions that are efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. By embracing these advancements, we can build a better and more sustainable future.