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UHCS Recycled PET house

Plastic waste as a building material to face the growing housing crisis

March 2020

UHCS Recycled PET house

Plastic waste as a building material to face the growing housing crisis

  • World Alliance Member
  • Featured Solution
  • Labelled Solution
Label Date March 9, 2020
From Switzerland
Maturity stage TRL 6 / 7 - Prototype demonstration 1:1

The five standardised construction profiles made of recycled PET, when produced and assembled into beams, pillars and girders, create a cubic cell with flexible lengths, heights and widths, that fits mandatory civil engineering standards (Swiss standards SIA) for up to two floors and can be used as a structure to build different types of residential housing (single- or multi-family complexes). The profiles have geometries and assembly protocol that maximise structural performance (load carrying capacity) and manufacturability, thus overcoming the challenge of building a structurally high-performing house in up-cycled PET waste. The profiles geometries are optimised in ways that (1) prevent collapse during extrusion, (2) allow for homogenous material accumulation and safe crystalline solidification during the heat transfer phase, and (3) accelerate producibility and assembly, which enables to build the structure fast and with a high level of control.

The Environmental Benefits

  • Saves 81% of CO2 emissions and spares 7.7 tons of aggregates compared to a concrete structure
  • In emerging countries this would save 230 m3 of landfill space or 355'000 PET bottles.

The Financial Benefits

  • 12% cheaper than modular house in concrete for a floor area of 40m2

Target client profile

Activity Region

  • Headquarters
  • Activity

Company Profile

UHCS Constructions SA

UHCS develops modular construction systems made of recycled plastics and adaptable to local architectural traditions.

Headquarters 1950 Sion, Switzerland
Type Company
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Networking Partner

CleantechAlps

As an expert for the innovation scene in energy and environmental technologies, CleantechAlps (Sion, Switzerland) is a hub for the cleantech ecosystem, connecting its stakeholders with relevant partners.

Solutions Associated 63
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The information set out above, is solely for the purposes of information and the Solar Impulse Foundation does not provide any guarantee as to its authenticity, completeness or accuracy. This information does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy into, transact or to enter into any agreement with any of the parties or persons mentioned above. Potential investors or interested parties are solely responsible for their investment or business decisions and for performing any due diligence required by the circumstances. The innovator UHCS Constructions SA has asserted ownership of the intellectual property rights for images, videos, and content showcased above, affirming full and unrestricted usage rights, and has provided explicit permission for the Solar Impulse Foundation to publish such information designated as "public" in the application form.