Floating land of living Root Concrete©
Erik Hobijn (Folded Banks) developed an entirely new, 100% plant-based and circular building block: Root Concrete©. This innovative material is made from ditches - carefully selected reed rhizomes (rhizomes) - that grow under controlled conditions with simulated tides and a unique blend of nutrients. This creates a new way of “soil farming” in which nature and technology merge.
The Waterkaravaan includes three blocks of Root Concrete©, which were cultivated in two years. Because reed stems and rhizomes can contain a lot of air, these blocks stay afloat. The air channels ensure that reeds also receive sufficient oxygen in wet conditions. We are very curious how the blocks hold up in the Water Caravan. It is expected that the three blocks will grow together underwater. Even though a single reed stem is fragile, a floating reed collar is sturdy because all reeds lean against each other.
To protect the Root Concrete© from leaching, especially during the transports of the summer expedition, we have put an underwater bag around it. We were looking for something from a natural, non-toxic material that is sturdy, and remains for now.
Basaltex has developed textile products made from basalt stone. Their BAS 350A fabric was used for the outer bag, because this fabric has not had a PU treatment against fraying (non-functionalized) and is suitable as geotextile. It therefore comes with a perforation-free attachment to the wooden floating frame. A layer of Basaltex needlefelt (felt) has been applied inside for extra space for microorganisms and filter effects.
