Papercrete

July 10, 2005

UHC’s version of papercrete

Portland cement, sand, and paper pulp. Add water, stir, and voila… a unique, relatively lightweight material useful for plastering if detailed and maintained properly. PaperCrete is the trade name but this simple method is easy to reproduce. Read about a variant or two.

Urban Habitat Chicago (UHC)’s Research and Development unit (a.k.a. Mike, Tom, and Dave) recently poured a bit in a clear plastic mold which took its form very well on the bottom while retaining the braided, lumpy texture of the paper pulp (above). The finish surface was moderately dense while taking light very nicely.

Weathering, compression, and shear tests need to be performed. Volunteers?