If you know how to listen to nature, it always has the most intelligent and balanced answers, even when it comes to reinforcing embankments and levees. The strength of plant roots inspires and composes the Stroncq ecological and biodegradable tiles
The Stroncq tiles are an idea by Omlab and designer Lilian Van Daal, who aims to respond to contemporary needs in all her projects with new ways that respect the Earth's ecosystem, inspired by the wisdom of nature. Stroncq is the answer to the questions: how to create the strongest possible reinforcement for embankments by imitating natural processes? And how to do it in a way that, at the end of its life, it can be reabsorbed by the ecosystem?
Stroncq is made with a 3D print of a material developed by Omlab composed of solid residues from 98% of drinking water and wastewater treatment. In a unique symbiosis of technique, natural science, and design, the Stroncq tiles reproduce the strongest reinforcement system of the earth existing in nature, plant roots. To demonstrate the potential of the material, Stroncq is used for the seat of a chair
The paste used for 3D printing contains natural lime that counteracts soil acidification. Seeds are inserted into the paste, which, after a certain amount of time, produce roots that consolidate the tile itself, transferring their natural strength to it. From the project by Stroncq, Aqua Minerals, and Omlab, Maacq Waar(de) is launched: a competition to launch ideas for products recovered from the activities of water and purification management companies
