In the heart of Ecuador, a groundbreaking approach to construction waste is emerging, promising to reshape how the industry views and utilizes discarded materials. Roberto Moya-Jiménez, a researcher at the Faculty of Design and Architecture at the Technical University of Ambato, has developed Granizzo, a hybrid methodological framework that could revolutionize sustainable construction practices. This innovative system integrates artificial intelligence (AI), parametric design, and digital fabrication to transform construction and demolition waste (CDW) into architectural mosaics, offering a compelling solution to the industry’s environmental challenges.
Granizzo’s workflow is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary innovation. It begins with material selection, followed by AI-driven classification of fragments using a Random Forest classifier, which achieved an impressive average accuracy above 90%. “This level of precision in material classification is a game-changer,” Moya-Jiménez explains. “It allows us to sort and utilize waste materials efficiently, reducing the need for virgin resources.”
The process continues with generative design algorithms based on circle packing and tessellation, which optimize pattern design to achieve up to 92% surface coverage. This not only minimizes voids but also enhances formal diversity compared to manually assembled mosaics. The final step involves CNC-based experimental prototyping, where prototypes exhibited 35% shorter assembly times and 20% fewer voids, confirming the technical feasibility of the proposed process.
The environmental benefits are equally noteworthy. A preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) revealed measurable improvements in energy savings and CO2 reduction. “Granizzo constitutes a replicable methodological platform that merges digital precision and sustainable materiality,” Moya-Jiménez states. “It enables a circular approach to architectural production, aligning with contemporary challenges of design innovation, material reuse, and computational creativity.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. By reducing the need for new materials, Granizzo can lower the energy-intensive processes associated with material extraction and production. This not only cuts costs but also aligns with global sustainability goals, making it an attractive proposition for forward-thinking construction firms and energy-efficient building projects.
Published in the journal ‘Buildings’ (translated to English as ‘Edificios’), this research offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable construction. As the industry grapples with the pressing need to reduce waste and lower its environmental footprint, Granizzo provides a compelling example of how technology and innovation can drive meaningful change. Moya-Jiménez’s work is a call to action for the construction industry to embrace digital tools and sustainable practices, paving the way for a more circular and environmentally conscious future.
In an era where the construction industry is under scrutiny for its environmental impact, Granizzo stands out as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that with the right tools and innovative thinking, it is possible to turn waste into valuable resources, creating beautiful, sustainable architectural elements in the process. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Granizzo’s approach could become a cornerstone of modern construction practices, shaping the way we build and interact with our environment.