Project “Clay in Clay“ - Sustainable building with Earth: stabilization of an earth plaster using innovative geopolymers

12/07/2024

• Challenge
• Objective
• Methods
• Partners

In the context of sustainable building, construction with earth is becoming increasingly important and finding its way into modern architecture. As the materials are water-soluble, one major disadvantage is their low resistance to weathering. Within the project, a patented sustainable geopolymer is being further developed and integrated into plaster mixtures to increase their water resistance and stability. Thus, the range of applications for clay plasters shall be significantly expanded.

In close collaboration with the practice partner functional prototypes of water-resistant exterior plasters are to be developed. By upcycling regional biomass ash, the circular economy is promoted and the CO2 footprint of traditional stabilizations improved. The aim is to significantly expand the range of applications for clay plasters without compromising the positive hygric properties of the building material and to protect buildings endangered by climate change.

After characterizing the raw materials for the geopolymer and various clay mortar formulations, a test design is developed. In addition to weather resistance and durability, the performance parameters to be determined are low shrinkage, sufficient compressive strength, retention of thermal-hygric characteristics and recyclability of the building material. Following the monitoring of prototypes, the requirements for certification are to be clarified.

Conluto Vielfalt aus Lehm
Vattenfall

"Clay in Clay" will develop in close cooperation with the company Conluto a water-resistant earth plaster and validate the new material in a prototype. The innovative product will promote circular economy by upcycling biomass ash and improve the CO₂ footprint of traditional stabilization. Aim of the project is to expand the range of applications for earth plasters without compromising the positive hygric properties of the material and its recyclability. Areas of application are new buildings but also historic facades that are particularly at risk under climate change conditions.

Partner organisations

Conluto Vielfalt aus Lehm
Inhaber Jörg Meyer
www.conluto.de

Vattenfall
www.vattenfall.de

Funding

BAM-Förderprogramm "Ideen: Verwerten"