Standing tall in the Japanese town of Karuizawa is a revolutionary home with walls composed of the first-ever CO2-removing concrete in history. This eco-friendly home, created by the well-known Japanese design firm Nendo, represents a cutting-edge method of sustainable architecture.
The home’s block walls, which also serve as filter screens, were made using “CO2-SUICOM,” a carbon removal concrete created by Kajima, Chugoku Electric Power Co., Denka, and Landes Co. To reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing, CO2-SUICOM, short for CO2-Storage and Utilization for Infrastructure by Concrete Materials, is made by integrating a carbon dioxide-absorbing substance and substituting a portion of cement with an industrial byproduct.
The main idea of Nendo’s design is to manipulate the line of sight, which is accomplished by carefully placing concrete blocks. By changing block angles, the design team managed visibility and achieved a seamless blend of privacy and accessibility. Five imposing walls are formed by the carefully arranged rows of about 2,050 blocks, which are arranged to provide a gradient-like pattern that improves both the walls’ visual appeal and practicality.
CO2-SUICOM has strength similar to regular concrete despite its environmentally benign composition. For the produced concrete to absorb and fix carbon dioxide inside its structure, it must undergo a curing process during manufacture in which CO2 is injected into the chamber. This novel technology guarantees carbon neutrality because the absorbed CO2 is contained in the concrete and does not contribute to atmospheric emissions.
Previous projects like the distinctive treehouse in Komoro City’s woodland highlight Nendo’s dedication to creative design. This 2012-designed treehouse serves as a bird haven and a peaceful getaway for humans.