Grimshaw and UEL develop sugarcane-waste blocks that “could replace the traditional brick industry“

Architecture studio Grimshaw and the University of East London have collaborated to create Sugarcrete, a biomaterial construction block with an interlocking shape made from the sugarcane by-product bagasse. Sugarcrete was developed to be a low-cost and low-carbon reusable construction-material alternative to brick and concrete. The concept, design and fabrication of the material were led by staff and fellows of the University of East London (UEL), including senior architecture lecturer Armor Gutierrez Rivas, Sustainability Research Institute co-director Alan Chandler and research fellow Bamdad Ayati. The UEL team developed the material together with Grimshaw architect Elena Shilova and Grimshaw design technology director Andy Watts and with support from sugar brand Tate & Lyle Sugars. Read more on Dezeen: WATCH NEXT: Stella McCartney releases jumpsuit made with iridescent cellulose sequins - Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest architecture and design movies: Like Dezeen on Facebook: Follow Dezeen on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Check out our Pinterest: