nonCrete research, develop and certify sustainable, innovative, robust, construction systems which dramatically lower embodied emissions, reduce construction waste and resource consumption, create low-tech, gender-neutral work opportunities and restore natural ecosystems in the process.

Stephen Lamb led the Light House Program, an Expanded Public Works Program funded by the South African Government. The program explores and develops regenerative building technologies and construction methods using alternative bio-based aggregates and binders. An emphasis is placed on utilizing the biomass of woody invading alien plant species as substitutes to traditional concrete aggregates. In addition to furthering the associated carbon storage opportunities, the program also aims to maximize localized job creation opportunities through the harvesting of invading alien plant species and the development of low-tech, labour-intensive construction practices for local communities.

He was co-designer with Andrew Lord and built The Pavilion of Light (2012), the entrance pavilion to the 9th Shanghai Biennale; the Green-Goal Pavilion (2010) in Cape Town for the FIFA World Cup; and Climate Smart Pavilion (2011) in Durban for COP 17, winning awards for “Best Sustainable Design” and “Best Outdoor Pavilion”. He also led the design and construction of the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail and tented camps for South African National Parks.

Prior to co-founding nonCrete with Andrew Lord in 2020, Stephen studied at ETH Zurich with the Chair of Sustainable Construction in D-BAUG as an invited visiting student while writing his masters thesis. During this time Stephen and Andrew also co-authored the academic paper: “Invasive alien plants as an alternative resource for concrete production – multi-scale optimization including carbon compensation, cleared land and saved water runoff in South Africa”, published in the scientific journal “Resources, Conservation & Recycling”.