Beacon Hempcrete Binder Research and Aquatic Object Fabrication Facility

Beacon Hempcrete Production and Binder Research Facility

The Beacon Hempcrete Binder Research and Aquatic Object Fabrication facility was designed to establish a place that addresses the oyster restoration project in New York City and provide architects with the opportunity to research different types of renewable binders for concrete fabrication. The Billion Oyster Restoration project allows for organizations to make concrete artificial reefs for oyster larvae to populate the object. Unfortunately, concrete production has a high carbon dioxide emissions factor and so our project combats this by using hemp hurd to reduce the amount of lime used in the fabrication process. Other renewable binders such as slag and fly ash reduce the amount of lime being used and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. We were able to make a business model based on how many hempcrete blocks and hemp reinforced concrete artificial reef balls we would make in a year. We also compared the supply chain maps of concrete and hempcrete. Overall, this project curated a new learning of a new bio composite material, hempcrete, and its impact on the environment. The facility acknowledges renewable binders and the local aquatic life while reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions emitted in the atmosphere.

Project Date: 2022

CASE Faculty: Fleet Hower

Course: Architectural Design Studio

CASE Students: Abagail Light & Alex Yakir

Assignment: