Mexican Engineer Uses Recycled Plastic to Build Earthquake Resistant Houses : The Hearty Soul

Intelligent Living reports that Ramón Martín Espinosa Solís, an electrical and mechanical engineer from Mexico, has created a groundbreaking building material named Eco Plastico Ambiental that can withstand seismic movements [1].

The future of construction is here.

Earthquake resistant homes are not a new concept. Many companies use steel, wood, and concrete to build in quake-prone areas. The key is to distribute the force during a seismic event effectively. Solis, a University of Guadalajara graduate, has designed a durable, environmentally-friendly material made from recycled plastic that is flexible and can withstand seismic movements. It meets all standard regulations.

These homes not only provide safety during earthquakes but also contribute to plastic waste reduction and recycling efforts.

Self-Cooling Feature

Solis mentioned that these houses are designed to be self-cooling, eliminating the need for air conditioning due to their insulation properties.

“In this house, there is no air conditioning, and the difference in temperature with the outside is around six degrees Celsius. This is due to the insulating materials that cause a slow heat transmission. In addition, the bioclimatic architectural design allows cross ventilation, so the heat that transmits the material from the outside to the inside is eradicated,” he explained.

These houses are low maintenance, durable, and have an estimated lifespan of up to 100 years, surpassing traditional homes. They are weather and climate-resistant.

Production Process

The eco-friendly material is produced in panels measuring 20cm by 40cm, with a thickness of 10 to 13 millimeters. The production involves collecting and cleaning plastic waste, mixing it with other components, molding, and heating it for use. The process utilizes clean solar energy.

Construction time is reduced using this material, cutting costs by up to 50% through recycling waste materials.