The research project by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) doctoral candidate investigates a new construction method for creating thin concrete panels. The faceted formwork consists of two elements: a substructure and a lining, with the former made of a flexible wire mesh tracing the panel’s basic geometry and the latter made of a latex sheet determining the panel’s final form. The proposed method aims to reduce the weight of concrete molds and thus the amount of material used in construction. Additionally, the formwork is both reusable and recyclable. Furthermore, the research of Ephemeral Concrete explores potential applications of the proposed method – leading to modular façades with a unique and strong architectural expression.

Read project feature in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)

“Latex Formwork: Concrete wall panel construction method” won the “Next Generation” 6th prize. The project investigates a new construction method for creating thin concrete panels using a lightweight reusable molds.

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The winning projects of the Holcim Awards 2014 for North America are at the cutting edge of efficiency and innovation in sustainable construction. The top prize went to a water supply and flood mitigation project in Las Vegas designed by Amy Mielke and Caitlin Taylor. BIG’s urban flood-protection concept for lower Manhattan was conferred the silver Award, and a zero-carbon compostable structure recently on display at MoMA New York designed by David Benjamin received bronze.

The jury commends the exploratory nature of the project. Particularly appreciated is the author’s intention to establish a dialog between the workshop and the design atelier – a process investigating forms of mutual relationships between the production of full scale prototypes and the design of architectural propositions by means of drawings and digital models. A form of knowledge production is here explored that merges academic and practical work. 

The research project by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) doctoral candidate investigates a new construction method for creating thin concrete panels in Cambridge, MA, USA. The faceted formwork consists of two elements: a substructure and a lining, with the former made of a flexible wire mesh tracing the panel’s basic geometry and the latter made of a latex sheet determining the panel’s final form. The proposed method aims to reduce the weight of concrete molds and thus the amount of material used in construction.