A Revolution in the Construction World: Walls Made of Earth and Cardboard Outperform Concrete!

 A Modernized Version of Mud Houses Using Carbon Fiber and Clay

A Revolution in the Construction World.. Walls Made of Earth and Cardboard Outperform Concrete!

A team of scientists at RMIT University in Australia has unveiled a new innovation that promises to revolutionize the construction industry: walls made from compressed earth and recycled cardboard tubes or carbon fiber. These walls combine strength, lightness, and sustainability, outperforming traditional cement walls.

Traditional cement and concrete are responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making any practical alternative an environmental revolution. This is what motivated the researchers on their quest to find building materials that do not rely on cement and do not waste resources, according to the UnionRayo website, as reported by Al Arabiya Business.

The idea is simple yet ingenious: combining compressed earth—an old technique—with recycled materials to create strong and flexible walls using readily available materials such as earth, cardboard, and water.

The first method, using cardboard tubes, is ideal for low-cost and sustainable projects. The second method uses carbon fiber tubes, providing strength comparable to high-density concrete but at a significantly lower weight.

How does the technology work?

When soil is compressed inside a tube—whether made of cardboard or carbon fiber—it is prevented from lateral expansion, resulting in remarkable strength. Furthermore, these walls retain their natural thermal properties, meaning they remain cool in summer and warm in winter, while also reducing energy consumption. This technology is a modern version of traditional mud-brick houses, but with a 21st-century twist.

Cardboard: From Waste to Walls

The biggest surprise was the use of cardboard tubes as both formwork and supports, creating strong, recyclable walls and columns with a carbon footprint up to 80% lower than concrete. In Australia alone, more than two million tons of cardboard are wasted annually, making its reuse in construction a smart move both environmentally and economically.

The second version relies on carbon fiber, the material used in aircraft, electric cars, and even satellites, to help build ultra-strong structures capable of withstanding loads comparable to reinforced concrete. This makes them ideal for seismic zones or modular buildings that require a balance of rigidity and flexibility.

From the Lab to Reality

Currently, these materials are still in the experimental stage, with researchers studying their resistance to humidity and temperature changes over time. However, construction companies have already begun contacting the team to implement them in real-world projects, which could signal the beginning of a revolution in sustainable architecture.

Perhaps in the near future, when we look at a new building, we won't think of cement or steel, but rather of earth and cardboard boxes transformed into solid walls.