Waste House, Experimental building at University of Brighton, England
The Waste House is an experimental structure at the University of Brighton campus built from repurposed industrial and household waste materials. Its two floors incorporate carpet tiles, discarded toothbrushes, and video cassettes as insulation and structural components.
Construction took place between November 2012 and April 2014, involving over 300 students from the University of Brighton and City College in a collaborative learning project. The endeavor marked a turning point in how the institution approached sustainable building practices.
The building demonstrates how students engage with waste materials as serious resources rather than discards, embodying a hands-on approach to learning environmental responsibility. It reflects an educational philosophy where theory is tested through actual construction.
Access is typically arranged through organized tours where visitors can examine the structure and its materials up close. It is best to contact the university in advance as opening times vary and the building is located on an active campus.
The wall cavities contain over twenty thousand discarded toothbrushes used as insulation material, giving the building an unexpected interior composition. Old vinyl banners serve as vapor control layers, demonstrating how everyday objects can be repurposed with precision.
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