September 10, 2024
At the 2024 Fall edition of Maison&Objet in Paris, the Hong Kong-based architectural firm LAAB introduced an eco-pavilion made from 3D-printed bricks created using recycled water bottles. The Hong Kong Eco-Pavilion is characterized by its intriguing turquoise staggered bricks that form a naturally porous structure. This pavilion stands out for promoting sustainability, the reuse of materials, and the seamless integration of contemporary technology with age-old craftsmanship.
In an engaging session at the event, moderated by designboom, LAAB’s Design Director, Otto Ng, delved into the intricacies of converting waste plastic bottles into sustainable 3D printing filaments. These filaments were then engineered into the distinct bricks constructing the pavilion. “For this project, we utilized water bottles collected from ten different secondary schools across Hong Kong,” Ng stated, showcasing the firm’s dedication to sustainable practices and viewing waste as a reusable asset.
Ng highlighted the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital fabrication techniques. “There is a certain allure to craftsmanship, especially in preserving the diminishing skills inherited from past generations alongside adopting new methods and digital fabrications,” he remarked during his talk. This sentiment reflects LAAB’s commitment to both honoring the cultural legacy of Hong Kong and furthering ecological design innovations through new technologies.
The eco-pavilion’s 3D-printed bricks, constructed from recycled PET bottles, are designed to be light, stackable, and movable, reducing the carbon footprint during transport. LAAB created several prototypes to optimize the use of filament while preserving the structural strength of the bricks. Inspired by the natural curves of Victoria Harbour, the pavilion is designed in a wavy, circular shape that reflects Hong Kong’s natural landscape. This circular arrangement symbolically represents material circularity, unity, and harmony, which are fundamental aspects of Chinese philosophy.
Colored in various shades of turquoise, the eco-pavilion mimics the vibrant hues of Victoria Harbour, changing its appearance with different lighting conditions. The unique setup of the eco-bricks permits the passage of natural light, creating shadows that resemble the waves of the harbor. Its design includes multiple entry points, encouraging visitors to experience the structure from various perspectives, offering an engaging and interactive environment.
A notable feature of the Hong Kong Eco-Pavilion is its emphasis on reusability. After its display at the Maison&Objet exhibition concludes, the pavilion will be dismantled, transported back to Hong Kong, and set up again for another event. Post-exhibition, the 3D-printed bricks could be either reused for public constructions or recycled into new filaments for more 3D printing applications. This strategy aligns with LAAB’s objective to repurpose waste materials and advance material circularity in architectural design.
By utilizing recycled water bottles in the creation of 3D-printed bricks, LAAB’s pavilion stands as an exemplar of eco-friendly design. It showcases how innovative practices can convert waste into valuable resources, thereby generating a beneficial impact on the environment and celebrating the cultural legacy of Hong Kong.
Source: designboom.com
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