The Green Ceramics project began as a wish to minimise demolition waste produced by a large office-tower refurbishment. Thanks to an imaginative partnership between Architectus and the UNSW Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (UNSW SMaRT Centre), the resulting product is aesthetically beautiful, sustainable and economical. Led by Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, the UNSW SMaRT Centre is renowned for pioneering the transformation of waste for use as a new generation of ‘green’ materials and products.

Cutting-Edge Techniques

The creation of Green Ceramics involves advanced recycling techniques developed by Professor Sahajwalla and her team. The types of demolition waste repurposed are primarily waste glass and textiles which are usually unable to be recycled due to contamination and material complexity. Other waste streams include timber and plastics. Materials are meticulously crushed and processed into aggregates and powders, forming the foundation of sustainable ceramic tile production. They are then transformed using innovative thermal and mechanical processes. These processes not only reduce the need for virgin materials but also minimise carbon emissions, water usage, and energy consumption compared to traditional ceramic tile manufacturing.

Real-World Impact

The tiles produced by UNSW SMaRT Centre project can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture surfaces. Through constant testing and experimentation, the team at UNSW managed to mimic natural stone and vitrified tiles, with the results beautiful, resilient, and certified. The success of the initiative demonstrates that sustainable solutions can be both commercially viable and aesthetically pleasing, paving the way for broader adoption across the industry.

Building Stronger Communities

The establishment of MICROfactories™ by the SMaRT Centre and the NSW Government’s Physical Sciences Fund (via the NSW Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer) for the manufacture of tiles has created new industrial opportunities in regional and urban areas of NSW. By creating jobs and fostering local expertise, these microfactories will benefit regional communities.

Circular Economy at Architectus

Embracing a holistic approach to the circular economy, our goal is to create buildings and spaces that minimise environmental impact and maximise long-term value.

Key Principles:

• Material Selection and Life Cycle Analysis: To ensure our buildings and interiors are adaptable and durable
• Adaptive Design: To create spaces that minimise waste and energy consumption
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: To foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

The future of Green Ceramics

The SMaRT Centre’s Green Ceramics show how a motivated client, designer, and innovator can further our industry’s ongoing pursuit of sustainable outcomes in design. Our project is set for completion in 2028 and we think it will be both a case-study and showcase of the successful re-use of demolition waste. Stay tuned for updates.