I have the idea that concrete tiny homes can be a FAR superior option to wood stick frames currently being built. Today’s new concretes are much thinner and lighter and stronger than those of old.
Add reinforcement with basalt rebars, basalt meshes, basalt twine and basalt chopped fibers and the results will be very fire retardant, weigh less and have better insulation.
Why better insulation?
Because Smarter Building Systems has a foam additive that can be mixed into the concrete to offer tremendous “R-value”, which really is a thermal insulation value. Added bonus, thermal insulation goes hand in hand with sound attenuation.
So by making panels with this concrete mix, and using our reinforcements, homes can be made of panels that are easily connected, therefore easier to ship, safer, and better insulated. Plus a larger interior footprint.
The price should be way less than stick frames, they can be stamped to look like wood, brick, whatever desired. Wood can of course still be used inside but many objects inside also can be made this way. Countertops, steps, tubs etc. all kinds of products can be made from lightweight strong cements that will last and not burn.
Joel Sanders Architect
This idea sounds very interesting. I plan to build Compressed stabilized earth block in Belize.. A guy from Canada mentioned basalt rebar instead of steel. Not sure if is available there. Much of the rebar and concrete in Belize is very poorly done and does not last. Would like to discuss further. thanks
You will find the basalt rebar will last many decades longer than steel. Lighter and easier to work with as well. Call anytime
Call anytime thanks for the interest.
Hi Nick,
Could you please write an article about creep & creep failure of basalt fiber, especially basalt-fiber rebars? Some sources say that creep-rupture reduction factor of basalt fiber is only 0.2 vs the that of steel 0.8. The usable strength of basalt fiber is lower than that of steel. Do the creep-rupture reduction factors have an impact on concrete reinforcement?
Thanks in advance
I will follow a similar idea but based on geodesic structures. There is nothing wrong with decentralizing single rooms. Cheaper, stronger and open more options also for the outdoor space.
Living in the hurricane curve since 2004. I want a save room building for hurricane cat. 5 events for conception testing.
The known dome home builder making it difficult and therewith too expensive for our little country.
The basalt mesh will strenghten the inner aircrete panels better than other common materials for this task. But more important it protect the outer concrete protection skin.
Unfortunatly I have to stick with rebar structur because I need to weld my hubs into the cage.
Havn’t seen info about bending (90^) basalt rebar nor joining to metal other than zip tie/ tie wire. That does not work for my task.
Open for suggestions,
Rainer