Translucent concrete allows light to pass through its walls. It is a composite glass fiber-reinforced concrete material with a polyester-polycarbonate resin finish on top. The resin layer is applied to the surface of the concrete and hardens to form a translucent layer. The principle of using this type of concrete in modern construction as a green architectural material is based on nano-optics like optical fibers or large-diameter glass fiber. This type of concrete has nearly the same compressive strength property as conventional concrete. Thus, it does not weaken the structures. Moreover, it is non-toxic, durable, recyclable, and has excellent thermal insulation properties. This makes it a fitting choice for sustainable buildings and an attractive alternative to other materials.
Reduces the need for artificial lighting, minimizing the footprint
Numerous R&D initiatives have tried to understand the application of translucent concrete panels in the facades or ceilings of any large building. This helps to cut down lighting costs to fulfill the environment and green architecture requirements. Moreover, this concrete reduces energy consumption by decreasing the illumination demand. Maximizing natural light, it eliminates the need for artificial lighting during the day. The special properties of the material allow sunlight to filter through, lighting indoor spaces without relying on electric lights. This not only lowers energy consumption but also enhances the ambiance of a building, making it feel more open and inviting. The buildings become more energy-efficient by utilizing daylight, leading to minimal utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint, while promoting a healthier environment for occupants.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering, buildings designed with translucent concrete elements minimize energy consumption for lighting by up to 50%. In 2023, a collaboration between the University of Stuttgart and several architectural firms explored the integration of these concrete panels in building facades. Moreover, in 2022, Luccon Lichtbeton GmbH launched LUCCONdesign. It was made of fine concrete and translucent light guides in prefabricated forms. The innovative concrete corresponded to the strength and durability of the usual high-strength concrete.
Optical fibers effectively regulate indoor temperature
A study by García and Almaraz in 2020 highlights that translucent concrete effectively manages heating and cooling in buildings. Sunlight filtering through the optical fibers warms interior spaces in winter and increases cooling demands in summer, reducing the need for extra heating. The design of the concrete regulates indoor temperatures more effectively. The daylight provided by the panels also cuts down on the heat generated by artificial lighting, which in turn lowers cooling costs since less energy is needed to keep spaces comfortable.
Furthermore, this concrete provides more improved thermal insulation compared to normal concrete. Its thermal conductivity (K-values) is lower than that of standard facades. The optical fibers not only allow light to pass through but also enhance the material’s insulation properties, contributing to significant energy savings. An International Journal of Energy and Buildings report states that buildings utilizing this type of concrete achieve energy savings of 15-20% in HVAC systems. This is beneficial in regions with extreme weather conditions where heating and cooling costs are extremely high.
Evaluating translucent concrete as a carbon-neutral material
Translucent concrete’s capacity to let natural light into structures is one of the ways through which it lowers carbon emissions. The amount of energy required to run artificial lights, which is a substantial source of carbon emissions, is also reduced as a result. This type of concrete assists in lowering the energy required to cool buildings by allowing natural light to enter the interior areas and minimizing the demand for air conditioning. The use of low-carbon, sustainable resources in the manufacture of transparent concrete is another way to save energy. Utilizing cement substitutes like fly ash slag or recycled aggregates, for instance, helps cut down the carbon footprint related to the manufacturing process of concrete and this concrete serves as a sustainable building material.
Italcementi Groups and LiTraCon’s innovative translucent materials
The Italian Pavilion of Shanghai was designed by Giampaolo Imbrighi and built in 2010 at the Shanghai Expo by the Italcementi Group. It used transparent cement, and the admixtures required for concrete blocks. In addition, it had 3774 transparent panels made of 189 tons of rare transparent cement called i.Light. This innovative material did not contain fiber optics, unlike other transparent cements. It brought transparency by mixing cement and admixtures according to a formula developed by the research laboratories of Italcementi.
The first commercially accessible transparent concrete Litracon Classic was a combination of fine concrete and optical fibers. It was produced as pre-manufactured building blocks. Due to the small size of the fibers, they mixed into concrete becoming a component of the material like small pieces of aggregate. It resulted in forming glass in concrete, and a new material, which was homogeneous in its inner structure and on its main surfaces as well. Litracon Classic was a fully handmade product that resulted in an exceptional and individual pattern of light in each piece. The TIME Magazine listed it among the most important inventions of 2004. Increasing R&D in concrete materials to improve the overall quality, illumination, and economic value of construction is expected to have a positive impact on the translucent concrete market. Additionally, wider applications of translucent concrete in wall cladding, roofing, flooring, and others as a light-emitting source is further projected to provide growth prospects to the industry.
Ending lines
Translucent concrete is a progressive building product. It has a light-guiding attribute and contributes to aesthetic view. Moreover, it is of enormous scope for use where the light cannot reach the desired intensity. This modern construction material puts together the concept of green architecture and the utilization of self-sensing characteristics of functional materials, which is expected to contribute largely to energy efficiency without compromising elegance and modernity in style.
**𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Saranya Ganguly
Author’s Bio:
Saranya Ganguly is a B2B writer with extensive experience in crafting research-driven content. Her interests concern sustainability, BFSI, and technology. The knack for blending insights and statistics with creative flair motivates her to deliver engaging, and impactful write-ups. She specializes in web articles, newsletters, promotional pieces, and LinkedIn briefs, helping businesses articulate their brand voice and value propositions. A master’s degree holder in English and Commonwealth Literature, Saranya enjoys reading in her free time. When not writing, she dabbles in photography and fine art.
