Sugarcrete: A Sweet Solution to Sustainable Construction
As the planet grapples with the effects of climate change, the race to find eco-friendly alternatives in construction is even more urgent
top of page
The Brighter Side of News features good news, compassionate news and inspirational news from around the world
Sign up for the Brighter Side of News newsletter
JJ Shavit
- May 9
Meet Farmscraper: The 51-story office skyscraper and hydroponics farm
A significant portion of the building's glazed exterior would be dedicated to the hydroponic growth of plants to achieve a substantial yield
JJ Shavit
- May 30, 2022
Turning high-rise buildings into batteries
With the rapid reduction in the costs of renewable energy generation, there is a growing need for energy storage technologies.
JJ Shavit
- Mar 4, 2022
51-story 'Farmscraper' is part office skyscraper part hydroponic farm
Greenery covered skyscrapers have become fairly commonplace, but what if, as well as bringing some nature into cities they could grow food?
JJ Shavit
- Feb 12, 2022
Transparent wood promises to become the window to the future?
Many different types of wood, from balsa to oak, can be made transparent, and it doesn’t matter if it is cut along the grain or against it.
JJ Shavit
- Jan 1, 2022
Could transparent wood be the window to the future?
Could looking through trees be the view to a greener future? Trees replacing the clear pane glass in your windows is not science fiction.
JJ Shavit
- Nov 21, 2021
New eco-friendly Israeli home, built from hemp
In the artist village of Ein Hod, Israel, Yoki and Danielle constructed an environmentally friendly house made from hemp.
JJ Shavit
- Oct 28, 2021
Building real buildings on the blockchain
Buildings that own and run themselves: this idea, from the think-tank Dezentrum, was put into action for the first time in a prototype.
JJ Shavit
- Oct 19, 2021
Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Build a smaller house with no basement
Researchers have some practical advice for developers, homeowners and urban planners who want to reduce their environmental impact.
JJ Shavit
- Oct 12, 2021
Translucent concrete makes it possible to create customised facades at low cost
Two researchers have designed and patented a new product that promises to revolutionize construction and other sectors.
JJ Shavit
- Sep 4, 2021
Is Transparent Wood the Window to the Future
Could looking through trees be the view to a greener future? Trees replacing the clear pane glass in your windows is happening now.
JJ Shavit
- Jul 11, 2021
New 3D printable phase-changing materials can regulate temperatures inside buildings
As temperature fluctuations become more commonplace around the world, conventional cooling and heating systems need more innovation
JJ Shavit
- Jun 21, 2021
Novel smart cement can be used to build more durable roads and cities
Incorporating nanomaterials into traditional cement improves water and fracture resistance
JJ Shavit
- May 21, 2021
Scientists create new building materials that effectively protect humans from radiation
Bricks made of new materials are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than analogues made of lead and other materials
bottom of page