An Island-inspired project that makes bricks out of seaweed is being exhibited globally among 100 ideas set to revolutionise the way we live.
The unique idea is the creative vision of 24-year-old, Julian Ellis-Brown who founded Ventnor Brickworks, as part of his master’s degree.
The idea uses a compound derived from kelp, called Sodium alginate, which becomes glue-like when mixed with water.
The remainder or the seaweed can be ground down and mixed with aggregates, such as sand, to form strong construction materials.
Julian – whose father grew up on the Island - explained how the inspiration for the project came from a visit to Ventnor, with his brother:
“I came across Ventnor which has been having this problem for quite a few years with huge amounts of kelp washing up into the haven.
“I set about on a project seeing how we can change what is essentially this waste stream of kelp into a useful material.
“I wanted this project to be used to showcase the Isle of Wight as a place that can become a hotspot of innovation, as opposed to people perceiving it as antiquated.
“I wanted to shine a light on the importance of being able to create solutions on a local level.”
According to Julian, kelp bricks have great environmental benefits, compared to traditional clay bricks, as they can be cured at a tenth of the temperature.
They are also half as dense and so could potentially save on transportation costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Julian believes his project could be an example of how green initiatives can be found and started locally.
He continued:
“As a society we have to start reframing the way we look at the environment and start thinking about ways we can produce new materials that don’t just not harm the environment, but actively heal it.
“It is about creating a product which the more you make of it, the better it is for the planet.
“This project is meant as a way to showcase that, that is possible and we can work symbiotically with the environment, to both benefit us and the planet.”
The recent graduate’s work is currently on exhibit in the Global Grad Show as one of 100 ideas to change the world.
Ventnor Brickworks was selected out of 1,600 projects, submitted by 270 universities worldwide.
His work will be showcased in a new virtual, interactive, year-long exhibit, among other ideas including, an earpiece which predicts seizures, a camera which translates sign language and an airbag belt to cushion the elderly from falls.
You can watch a video of the project here...
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