Newcastle University is coordinating a 'Living Architecture' scheme which aims to produce smart bricks. Such bricks will have the ability to recycle waste water and also generate electricity. If successful, it could revolutionise the way we build.
The Living Architecture scheme also includes experts from the universities of the West of England, Trento, the Spanish National Research Council, LIQUIFER Systems Group and EXPLORA and is looking into developing bricks that can extract resources from sunlight, waste water and air. The bricks can fit together to create 'bioreactor' walls which could be incorporated in housing, public buildings and office spaces.
Each brick will contain a microbial fuel cell, filled with programmable synthetic microorganisms developed by the University of the West of England Bristol. The chamber will contain microorganisms that are specifically chosen to clean water, reclaim phosphate, generate electricity and also create new detergents.
Rachael Armstrong, Professor of Experimental Architecture at Newcastle Univeristy, said: "The best way to describe what we’re trying to create is a 'biomechanical cow's stomach'." Professor Armstrong added: "It contains different chambers, each processing organic waste for a different, but overall related, purpose – like a digestive system for your home or your office."
