University in hybrid construction - know-how transfer to the Congo
On 11.10.2023, the 14th Circular Economy Conference took place at the Environmental Campus in Birkenfeld. Waldemar Eider (eiwa Lehm GmbH) was represented here with a presentation on the topic: "State of the art in the production and use of earth for Africa: A practical approach from eiwa Lehm". Mr. Eider showed how energy-efficient and sustainable construction can be achieved with renewable fibres and earth building materials.
Waldemar Eider: Lecture at the 14th Circular Economy Conference at the Environmental Campus in Birkenfeld
This was followed by initial talks with reconstruction representatives for Morocco and contacts from Senegal and the DR Congo. The exchange focused on the creation and reconstruction of buildings using hybrid construction methods. This combines conventional construction methods using reinforced concrete or fired bricks with ecologically sustainable building materials such as renewable fibers and clay - the country's own raw materials.
In hybrid construction, the best properties and strengths of the materials are brought to bear: concrete or fired bricks bear the static loads and thus enable multi-storey buildings. The insulation and the use of natural building materials with a material content of approx. 60% ensure considerable savings in CO2 and energy and therefore significant cost savings.
Planning is currently underway in Congo for the construction of the new Tshibashi University for Rural Development using sustainable building materials. Waldemar Eider (eiwa Lehm GmbH) - as an expert in research and development as well as application technology for earth building materials and renewable fiber materials - is in demand to use his know-how to develop and utilize local resources. Clay building materials are to be produced as finished products in the country, as are elements made from fibrous materials. During an initial trip in February 2024, the conditions on site are to be inspected and initial samples examined.