Why we need to rethink how we build homes | Ged Finch | TEDxWellington

Ged is a PhD Candidate at Victoria University of Wellington in the School of Architecture exploring how a circular economy model can fundamentally disrupt the way we build in New Zealand. Prior to undertaking this research Ged worked in two architectural firms in Malaysia, was involved in statistical damage analysis of residential dwellings in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and taught in the fields of Built Environmental Science, Construction, Architectural Design Communication and Critical Theory. Ged is a PhD Candidate at Victoria University of Wellington in the School of Architecture exploring how a circular economy model can fundamentally disrupt the way we build in New Zealand. Prior to undertaking this research Ged worked in two architectural firms in Malaysia, was involved in statistical damage analysis of residential dwellings in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and taught in the fields of Built Environmental Science, Construction, Architectural Design Communication and Critical Theory. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@TheCrayonMaster]

One of the best computer desks I've ever owned was built like this! I had it all through university, moving from place to place. It could be flat packed. I moved back home from Nova Scotia back to Ontario after graduation, and gave my brother the wonderful flat pack desk. He used it through school and still has it now 10 years later. It went through all of my moves and his moves. Being taken a part each time for travel. It's not shaky, it's structurally sound. No screws, nails or clamps, it fits together like puzzle pieces.

[@C00kii0]

This desk sounds like magic

[@TheCrayonMaster]

@@C00kii0 Look up furniture that slots together, because my desk slotted together. It'll give you an idea of what I mean. :) I wish I could give you the company name of the desk, but I don't have it. We bought it at a Canadian Tire out in Halifax in 2008 right before I started my second year of university. I was in residence in my first year and hadn't needed a desk. Now, since I don't have that desk, I have an antique desk I bought off of someone I found on kijiji. I buy a lot of old furniture on there. It's great for the environment! :)

[@TheCrayonMaster]

It's too bad I didn't keep the instructions on how to put it together. That would have had the brand name.

[@kennethking2687]

As a student studying architecture I am both nervous and excited about the future

[@kennethking2687]

The solution is big boy legos

[@Robert-cu9bm]

You'll be hated by ever builder... Draw a few lines on paper, then we have to deal with the problems. The architect no where to be heard from.

[@atulsingh-lb7ry]

Don't worry dear more space in India

[@calholli]

If this video excites you... I am very worried about our next generation.

[@haytherefriend]

calholli ?

[@madmodifier]

What are the new materials made from? What is the insulation that is reusable? How is the foundation handled? Basements? Lots of missing detail.

[@Robert-cu9bm]

Ben Kjellberg I know OZ doesn't really do basements, so would assume NZ would be the same. We have different problems to deal with in the southern hemisphere, like Termites.

[@gliukivideo3342]

Yes agree, also pluming, water, electricity, heating, etc. This Ted talk was very interesting and makes you think anyone could build Hause, but really a lot of questions unanswered.

[@madmodifier]

@@Robert-cu9bm We in the northern world have them too. Fair point on the basements. I am in the Midwest of North America, they are common here.

[@madmodifier]

@@gliukivideo3342 Agreed, the utilities were also completely un-discussed.

[@Robert-cu9bm]

Ben Kjellberg Their mock up didn't prove anything, don't think this guy has ever stepped on a building site.

[@chefdevon]

Ironically it is often laws that prevent this from being a current reality

[@ckilr01]

So true. The average time to be able to build in California is 15 years for all permits and pay offs. In Texas 6 months or less.

[@MsPriscilaXavier]

We are fooled into thinking that governments represent us and that such laws protect us from others and ourselves. But the truth is, is that these laws do more to protect established industries and the elite who own them.

[@Just-Move-Forward-John]

Awesome design! This needs to be a thing! I'm Commenting to and sharing to help spread the word!

[@Tanoaproductionsfiji]

Fascinating, exciting! Thank you for sharing. Need to share this more here in Fiji! Thank you!

[@Mr.E.Shoppa]

Not a mention of the composition of the exterior sheathing material of the new home. What is it? How are all those triangular joints sealed from the elements? Is insulation no longer required? Do the protruding gussets interfere with mounting of the triangular wall sheathing panels? Are holes needed in these panels? Just curious.

[@lovely-mk4rt]

Excellent questions. I’ll be checking on your text for the answers. 🌺

[@philbarre]

I am a general contractor and home builder. An architect colleague and I have started to explore a similar construction approach and it will work extremely well. It is mechanically very strong, light and can be easily configured to support high dead and live loads. Channels for mechanicals/penetrations are designed in as required, all in CAD and CNC fabbed. Combined with sustainable materials this is the near future no question.

[@thekingofspadesk]

sustainable materials? Like the arsenic boards?I hate this video because it does not address any of the issues it claims to solve.

[@Jrome3]

I am a structural engineer working for a very large luxury home builder in South Florida. There's so much lacking in this presentation, it's not even funny. How is the roof designed and how is it connected to the walls? What about the foundation and how the walls are connected to that too? He didn't even explain water-proofing, insulating, mechanicals, nothing. How can any GC not question these things? Architects are clueless, btw.

[@philbarre]

@@Jrome3 Hold on, this was a concept talk, not an engineering class. The point is our current construction methods and materials need urgent change. We can and must rethink the trusted and familiar stick framing building science. My point is that far better, radically new systems are very possible. I've made a small start on that journey. We need guys like you to leverage your skills to help make it a reality. Rather than resist change, why not embrace it? Be the visionary. Thats the only attitude that will sustain your career and the planet. We can do this. (BTW architects, engineers and builders are the three legs of the stool. Its a team sport. You need the other two. Find the good ones. Then you win.)

[@Jrome3]

@@philbarre , why does it need urgent change? What is the urgency? I'm all for new methods and materials but everything needs to be fully thought out. What's the point of a conceptual presentation without discussing what's important? You addressed the issues in your post but the architect in the clip just ignored everything. I guess I was expecting too much. I should have known better since I work with so many architects. They all need to take some basic engineering courses. I agree about the 3 legged stool but one leg is short and weak which puts unnecessary pressure on the other 2 legs.

[@rediaz08]

What is the name of the system you are using?

[@judyzhang694]

Very inspiring idea. It definitely follows the trend of having keeping things modular. It fits with modern people’s lifestyle as well. People change jobs and pursue educations in different locations. As an engineer and computer science person, I can see ways to cut the construction cost and increase durability. As someone who just went through moving, I would actually love to see how this concept plays in kitchen (fire hazard, he mentioned carbon), and bathroom.

[@carsonm6140]

This is really interesting. I designed a similar system for desk and paper management to get into engineerjng school, and I thought about many of the same design problems. The issue with this presentation is that he doesnt really address how these materials would be insulated, waterproofed, and mold resistant without the harmful chemicals he is standing against

[@joelmendes4506]

exactly my thought. This doesn't solve much and can be done with screws.

[@brainempowering1837]

Interesting topic with a new and great idea, but there are few questions in my mind as a civil engineer student .First of all, if we want to build a two story house would it be able to stand the load acting on it adding the live load? You mentioned that it can resist earthquakes, but what about water leakage that may rotten the main walls or columns, how can it be prevented? Overall, loved the idea and hope it may work in the future.

[@1joku2]

I think there would be good chance to replace those bad structures... Which is not a case nowadays...

[@anjaschatz640]

Alternative: Clay straw walls. Stands for centuries, can be reused, can go to compost, needs no additional insulation, but: your mobile phone will not have network, as this walls shield from so much including electromagnetic waves etc

[@davec.3198]

Always easy to put a repeater on the outside of the home. No issue there. Clay is a great way to go. lots of homes in Europe are built with blocks.

[@jimviau327]

Anja Schatz : yes absolutely, and, might I add, is so taboo that your wife will leave you if you move in one of those beautiful natural artistic building. That's the way humans are . They resent change and must follow trends otherwise they cannot sleep, out of fear of the neighbors opinion.

[@anjaschatz640]

@@jimviau327 totally yes. As a sociologist I state: our most animal like instincts about -providing for the next generation (individually in terms of "able to pay private class" e.g.) - belonging (what is the general movement of the heard) -status (where is my relative position in the heard) are really game makers when it comes to any behaviour. And it changes everything when it comes to ecologically clever individual decisions or non - decisions.

[@yingallen9541]

Anja Schat

[@limbodog]

@@jimviau327 Not an expert, but if you build with clay straw, couldn't you still line it with something to look like all the neighbors' houses?

[@cassieoz1702]

Glossed over the materials issue. What material lasts such a long time without chemical interference? Looks like wood but that doesnt last. No mention of how they're insulated (what replaces the current 'rubbish'). No point in following this idea unless those are addressed, even fleetingly

[@sierrasukalski2133]

About that moisture issue... A differently shaped building, that was open to catching a breeze, in strategic places, might respond differently to an impermeable, otherwise wall structure, if I'm properly recalling things. But, if you now have a fire season to live through, maybe a more active air conditioning system would be needed, along with a way to close any ventilation. I think end of use for building materials is crucial for the future. I was thinking just like this speaker when I first got interested in sustainable architecture. Things get complicated fast, especially when you try to design something to invest in the future. -Whether that's moving your house out of the path of a natural disaster, taking your house with you for a job, growing food using your home, or giving someone dear the investment in their autonomous future, you always wish you had gotten. I do think we should be looking at ways to create low investment threshold, highly modular buildings. It would be even cooler, in my opinion, if you could start making pieces when you're younger, putting them together as you afford, or collect the materials. Or even, if it was safe, and easy enough, that with community investment, a kid could learn how to build their own room, or their own house, and just do it, piece by piece, when they had some time. And honestly? If we don't start making it easier, we aren't designing for the future. We're going to face more wide spread disasters, and housing, urban planning, peace, community, and access to basic amenities, are all going to pass into the hands of people who know nothing about those topics, don't have a head for it, and are way too wrapped up in caring for their loved ones, and their own tenuous survival, to spend a brain cell getting it right, especially at scale. That's just not sustainable. And, it isn't going to be one disaster, either, or even, one familiar, if devastating, chronic danger, we're facing. To the poor, and discriminated against, this isn't new territory, but yeah, it will get worse. If cities in particular, are going to be the backbone of humanity, we need to take a good long look at packing people into places that don't make food, or raw materials, and basically put the whole environment under the influence of politics and mob dynamics at the signs of the first real panic, without many buffers, or exceptions at all. Cities, when they're free to be dynamic, permeable, and flexible, are great places to find support, and look for opportunities. But in times of disaster, cities are despotic strongholds, or miles of dangerous territory to cross, or a place everyone is leaving at once, looking for a new life, or a way out of town, and that makes its own catastrophic, tragic mess. Cities tend to reinforce treating people as one of many. It doesn't take too much to turn that experience into treating people like objects. That's Capitalism in a nutshell, anyway. Good architecture has a lot to do with diffusing tensions, and creating resources, and resource streams that don't just vanish at the first sign of a real problem.

[@theroarmusics]

what a well thought plan, incredible!

[@Jj-tq8wt]

This is one of the main reasons why I want to become a civil engineer. I'm so scared for how the earth will turn out to be in a couple of decades. I believe that developing countries should be built in a green way as they develop, so that we can ensure that the impact of harmful infrastructure can be reduced. The environmental issues of today will definitely be a challenge and perhaps all engineers and scientists will have to work together to find a truly impactful solution.

[@woburmyisrael]

Green buildings are the sure way to go but I see that the clients are rejecting the education on green building especially in the developing countries

[@givemeliberty1980]

How about wiring, plumbing and air handling? This Lego, Lincoln Log, Erector Set approach is find if you're building a shed.

[@JodieTroutfish]

Of course there will need to be modifications and adjustments to suit various climates/needs, but change needs to start somewhere, and what a brilliant start this could be. It amazes me how negative people can be... But then again, they are probably the ones who think, 'who cares? I'm not going to be here in the future'. Love the initiative, creativity and problem solving here. Keep forging on!!!!

[@tonijune4857]

JodieTroutfish So right. It blows my mind how negative people can be about the potential for change!!

[@Robert-cu9bm]

Toni June Not negative, critical of a idea that hasn't made allowances for the basics of building.

[@bulakhv]

I applaud thinking out of the box, but this is far from an actual start. I am an architect and I am absolutely interested in green building techniques, and I was hoping to see something useful here. Unfortunately, as others have criticised, this idea is still too incomplete to be implemented. How will it be insulated and made air tight? He didn't address the very components he criticised.

[@Jrome3]

@@bulakhv , exactly! I'm a structural engineer in residential construction. He didn't address anything important. Roof design and connections to walls...wall connection to foundation...insulation...water-proofing...how to run mechanicals thru walls, etc. That's not being "negative", ladies. 🙄

[@rwatson2609]

I like the concept and I think that it's worth pursuing, but I personally think that housing should come apart and recycle easily but more of a melt it down and reshape it sort of recycling with much larger sized components, like whole sections of walls sized.

[@Juurus]

The logs of a log house can be reused too you know. My dad built a big sauna with the logs of a dismantled house. Later on we built our new home with logs too.

[@brendapettus9208]

The frame and inside walls are addressed, maybe outside cladding as well, but not the vapor barrier or insulation. I am inspired by the flexibility of the system, but wonder what you suggest for weatherproofing. Also, could this system be robust enough for high-rise apartments and office buildings?

[@B0uff0s]

interesting points, nice ideas. No disrespect to the Architects out there, but there was no mention about the economics on the situation. Most of the things constructed are based on a cost/effectiveness graph curve, to put it simply. in other words instead of constructing something perfect with multiplied costs it is preferred to construct it adequate for a fraction of the cost. I also think that you also have not taken into consideration the skill level of the common worker who will assemble what you manufacture, and as many people that pointed out the insulation/heating/water pipes and electricity wires that need to go through. Furthermore although an expanded lifetime would be preferable, who would want to live or renovate a 70 year old building? what was build 70 years ago did not account for the needs, restrictions and technologies of today. same what is build today will not be considered up to standards 40 years forward. just my 2 cents (Mechanical Engineer)

[@lovely-mk4rt]

Cost is very important. Also what materials are being used? I posted a request for contact information in order to get clarification on many questions I have. Thank you for your comment

[@AmericanHairlines69]

Why mention all those really important points when you can just say "ThIs GoOd fOr EnVirOnMent" and people will eat it

[@Robert-cu9bm]

"who would want to live or renovate a 70 year old building" Lots of people just look at England. Heritage houses are very popular as back then they were built better than today's buildings and had character.

[@3lightsteps]

Never addressed the material for those components either.

[@Phisx9567]

Standardizing part will allow us to mass produce them. This will tend allow manufacturers to produce them for a lower cost. Add competition and its a gain for both the customers and environment.

[@wandalee5010]

Fascinating!

[@aubz81]

It's K'Nex! I would most definitely be willing to try one of these in the northern United States! How can I make that happen for myself?? Seriously, where is the website, the info on how to, etc? I absolutely love the idea that the child can literally take their bedroom with them when they are ready to leave home if they so choose...this has so many positive implications past sustainability. I love that you can reconfigure your home and add on/take away as needed. I do wonder about foundation and second+ floor capability, though.

[@Johnnychuffchuff]

Eye opening for me. I'd like to see him get into the practicalities of plumbing, wiring, heating, foundations etc. I don't see how those horizontal surfaces - ceilings and floors avoid sagging & breaking up, or how the seams in the interior cladding just disappear like that.... the exterior has to be waterproof. That isn't covered either. Architects are often accused by builders and engineers of having their heads in the clouds. This guy may be one of those. All the same, he's right: we need to rethink current practices, methods and wasteful use of materials. Absolutely right about that. Plenty of rethinking required, and this is a good starting direction.

[@t.b.a.r.r.o.]

It will require recert of every piece of this lego style construction each time you pull it apart and reuse. If you think Fed, State, and local building codes are going to just let you do whatever you want, when ever you decide to... you have not been paying attention. Not to mention Home Owner's Insurance. My home is 130 years old. It should last another 130 if some knuckle head doesn't let it get run down. For example, I had it vinyl sided a couple years ago. Cheaper than paint. Lasts 5 times as long. Good old wood frame, lathe and plaster walls, and a field stone foundation.

[@kolesooom]

This must be one of the best talk about housing sustainability.

[@reddragon2335]

Awesome! Time to build a better tomorrow.

[@3lightsteps]

And your template components are made of what? How do the mechanicals of water. Sewage and electrical, HVAC work with this tinker toy plan? Video 2 is needed here.

[@Jrome3]

And Video 3, 4, 5 This guy is just a clueless architect.

[@hannabaal150]

I doubt if he has funding for a second video. You're right about this being a work in progress. It makes sense he has the details figured out though.

[@pennysmith2012]

If only it was this simple

[@kennethking2687]

This is a great start but I have several concerns . What about the longevity of the house( how long will it last) what is the strengths and weaknesses of this concept. What about insulation will the workers need to make their own holes or will they have to get with a cadd designer and special order those parts. Can you reuse them? As an architect I feel their are more things to consider than what you talk about. That being said you should have trial tested and improved your design before doing a ted talks

[@kennethking2687]

The holes are for plumbing and electricity

[@archenema6792]

One of the nicest TedXs I've seen in awhile. Actually doing something important, rather than mere talk. You have my sincere respect, and a slot on my "Scaling It Up" playlist. :)

[@1joku2]

In house there is many of functional partarts. Like ventilation, water pipes, warming systems and electricity. It is not only simple core for building. We need think more. One my idea is one centralized container made by metal, which is reusable and can do most water (small kitchen, shower and laundry systems inside), warm and electric needs for house. This is like module what you can attach to bigger wooden "over simplified" living area, easy to reuse/recycle...

[@Leux64]

Dude at the end he's like "yeah you can just bring your home with you". Yeah what about the fundations ??

[@choomka4894]

Diamond Piers

[@chris-2496]

Do you impregnate wood battens in Australia because of termites? None does that in Northern Europe where I live. Also wood fibre and cellulose insulation are common. Wood fibre sheathing for wind barrier instead of synthetic membrane, sometimes.

[@StephanieElizabethMann]

That's brilliant.

[@maidenofmoths]

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. We can make this kind of thing possible!!!

[@joelmendes4506]

dosent the use of screws work in the same way? how will this solve the problem with materials like insulation, membranes, etc that was shown in the presentation?

[@GaianUNSTV]

I didn't see heating plumbing or electrical in these boxes!?

[@dragsys]

The ends of the tie bars all appeared to have divots to allow piping and conduit to run through them. The conduit and would probably be installed as the walls were built and adhere to a predesigned plan for locations.

[@GaianUNSTV]

Thanks for responding to my comment. I’m from the Peace country near Dawson Creek BC Canada and have been rethinking housing for years and a proponent of Bucky Fuller. If these building components can be made from material available on your land all the better! Contrary to Bucky I now believe in thermal mass as a necessity to a warm comfortable year round living, The same would be true in a hot climate

[@ckilr01]

I been saying that over a decade. India has a cooling design using a kind of bell tower at the top that can ventilate the house and cool it. We can create some really neat materials now and create houses that are mostly modular designed parts. Soon we may be able to 3d print them with hardened carbon.

[@anthonylipke7754]

Where can I buy these products? These standards need to be standards available and affordable over time. Adoption isn't trivial.

[@ZeusHelios]

They tell us about these things without giving us the information or links we need should we want to use these new materials or technology.

[@juttastepanik5480]

Brilliant idea!

[@atulsingh-lb7ry]

Yes.. it's fantastic

[@papatips]

those last words ,on point

[@CharlesReedPi]

Interchangeable parts and reduced products are a powerful and capable way to reform our path for a more sustainable future.

[@giovannip.1433]

Great stuff! Where do I get it and is it certified so that I can get insurance/get a home loan to build with it? What is the maximum span allowable? It slots together but how is it held in place?

[@Jrome3]

Architect don't consider those things. They just come up with ridiculous ideas that don't work in the real world then they make it the engineer's or builder's problem to figure out and tell them it's no good. I'm a structural engineer in residential construction. This little idea is something I'd expect from maybe a middle school kid. Nothing important is addressed.

[@savadogoaly4134]

very good talk

[@bernardsergant5752]

I wonder whether the use of stackable freight containers, of which there are millions available for $5,000 in almost new condition for building purposes, could be combined with this re-usable concept for the interior finishings and external wall openings? This would allow for efficient use of land in densely populated situations.

[@psikeyhackr6914]

OK, so what are those modular components made of?

[@tsne2]

Can it be constructed to meet passive house standards?

[@Healitnow]

Maybe a good idea but those connections did not look very strong or secure???

[@SuperAtheist]

How do you prevent wear and tear?

[@designtoconnectpodcast]

Really interesting technique!

[@matarikitamaiti3493]

Where is the insulation Is it able to go more than one level?

[@gavinyates9189]

Excellent, pass it on.

[@sugitox9864]

Here in the UK we don't realise that you New Zealanders are such nomadic people! Why do you need to keep dis-assembling your houses? Strength, and long-lasting stability is good! I live in a house that's about 120 years old, and it looks good for at least another 120 years! Ever heard of sand, stone and cement? The Romans invented it. Or maybe build some kilns, and make some bricks. I'm sure you also have clay there. More work, yes, but it will last for generations. I myself think that our traditional building methods here are slow, and too costly, and - someone mentioned earthquake - not earthquake-proof. All that can be fixed! Most building here is slow, because the bricks are small. I favour LARGE Lego-type bricks that simply slot into one another. They should be hollow, and then steel reinforcing rods can pass right through the wall, and prevent it collapsing in an earthquake. The rest of the hollow spaces can be filled with heat insulation - non-toxic glass-wool insulation! They could also enclose conduits for electrics and plumbing, if you like. Want to add a second storey? Such walls could support it. Sand, stone, cement - and more sand (the glass wool)... What could be more natural? Of course, when you move, you can't take this house with you. But here in Europe we always seem to find another house to move into! Oh, and if you ever want to demolish or change such a house, all its components are reusable - saving money.

[@hannabaal150]

Nothing wrong with lots of ideas about building.

[@Jmac178]

New Zealand has to contend with earthquakes, which means structure needs to be able to move with the ground, sand stone in uk are not good in that , just look at christchurch earthquake and how traditional brick structures performed.

[@thekingofspadesk]

I love the enthusiasm if this building concept, but I have huge questions about the building material. How do you trap heat without insulation? Is it water proof? What stop the material from rotting? How much weight can walls made with this material hold? .......many more I have seen a lot of ground braking ideas on the internet over the few years that have no real merit(Water from thin air, solar walkways, hyperloop...). All of them have one thing in common, CGI demos. Show me this working in real life, and then I will get behind it. And before you say, "They had a working building in the video." Ask yourself if you would live in what you saw there. Would you put that on your property and run utilities to it? Would feel safe with your family huddled under a snap together house when a storm hit? The only way I can see this working is if you add a lot of the stuff on the right side of the stage to it.

[@Jrome3]

Exactly!👍 I'm a structural engineer in residential construction and have the same questions. This architect doesn't have a clue.

[@dougb70]

Fiberglass inserts would be reusable

[@dougb70]

thekingofspadesk it is a Ted talk, not a product

[@dougb70]

Bolts or built-in fasteners could very easily be made to be stronger than nails. Our skyscrapers use bolts.

[@thekingofspadesk]

@@dougb70 I get it's a ted talk, but it is so vague on how the end product would work, he could have gotten on the stage and said that they where going to build their homes out of cotton candy and unicorn farts, and it will but just as possible.

[@jamessullivan9992]

The 2x4 wall with fiberglass an sheet rock does not need to be reusable .

[@patrickmcdonald8513]

Brilliant!

[@woburmyisrael]

This video is so educative

[@craigtalbot607]

Bring it on!!! Buildings are so much less leaky and prone to water damage now than 40 years ago it’s amazing, but ... we clearly have a LONG way to go!!! ... sadly ... between building permits and an industry that knows how to use and work with the current materials and practices, it will take a LOT of education and convincing! Let’s keep moving forward !:-)

[@natashagodfrey7775]

Thank you for this one

[@endrankluvsda4loko172]

Will these hold during an earthquake?

[@mondotv4216]

It would be great if Ged actually provided links to the research. A bunch of CAD animations showed how to construct the walls as interlocking pieces which is great and a nice concept. But what about the waterproofing, insulation, outer cladding, utilities etc. This didn’t seem, on the surface, to address any of the problems touched upon as reasons for current building methods and mterials, like water ingress and heat efficiency which are the primary reasons for building shelter.

[@jum5238]

What is this going to be built with? Wet wood that shrinks or swells? You'd lose significant amounts of structural stability if there was any deviation in the leveling of the ground/foundation. And pardon my ignorance, but... I don't see a lot of compensation for stresses due to wind or earthquake.It's really expecting to put all those stresses on those octogonal shapes that are numerously scattered throughout the structure. I like your out of the box thinking, but how useful is this? I think people are going to have a problem thinking their "new" house comes from recycled components. Who knows where it used to be before (whether down-wind of a nuclear plant or next to a chemical plant)? Or had mold? What do you fill the wall cavities with to stop airflow/noise? And where do you store that amount of material between houses? I do like the idea of modularly scaling up/down as life needs changes, but not sure where the concrete pad changes in size or the plumbing/electrical that goes with it. Lots to consider there! Good luck!

[@DyzioTheDreamer]

Oops, the speaker said 'ticket" whereas even I, a non native speaker of English notice clearly that in the Downunder version of English all "eh" phonems are replaced with 'ee' (i.e. 'left' becomes 'lift', 'center' becomes 'cinter' and so on). Or is the pronunciation of 'ticket' somehow left out from this rule for a purpose? Can someone give me a clue?

[@SlothKing33]

....AWESOME!!!

[@ThekiBoran]

New Zealand and the US are the only 2 countries in the world that allow pharmaceutical corporations to advertise directly to consumers. That advertising revenue has a corrupting effect on those media corporations that accept those dollars.

[@bosco4890]

I like Jacque Fresco's vision for future building and new cityscapes, and I pretty much agree wholeheartedly with " the Venus Project " ,,,let's get started... Also,, Michael Reynolds and his "Earthship" design is pretty cool , helped build one up here in Washington State several years back,,,and there's hemp-crete,, looked like 3D printing of components im the vid,,which already exists,,no waste is 100%key,,,Jacque was so ahead of his time, he's ahead of our time... oh, and how about all those ancient monolithic stone structures all over the earth that we cannot replicate today 🔌😉

[@oculusnomadslosttribe5672]

I’ve been saying this for years....we need to change the SHAPE of homes due to increased hurricanes and tornados as well 🏠....new materials that last longer and get rid of wood as much as possible...trees are huge on earth because without them humans can’t breathe to well...🗣🧠

[@blueskyopertunity4781]

Brilliant how do i get hold on this guy

[@rickharold7884]

Awesome!

[@dougg1075]

Shot of a completed home would be cool.

[@captainscrew1252]

Beautiful. But challenges profits of the major world corporations.

[@KJSvitko]

All new buildings and retrofits need to consider energy efficiency when building or remodeling. Air sealing, super insulation, triple pane windows, energy efficient doors, efficient heat and air conditioning systems, set back thermostats, energy efficient appliances, LED lighting systems, solar panels, battery storage and a 220v outlet in the garage or car port for an electric vehicle charger. Buildings should be built to last 200 years or more. People seem to look for the cheapest upfront cost rather than looking at long term benefit. Energy efficiency saves money month after month, year after year. Saving energy saves money. Would love to see these ideas of reusable materials incorporated in everything we produce. For example there should be no single use plastics.

[@erasmoc.9514]

let me think...Electrical and pluming can be ad if instead of using that skinny wall you make it a double wall with a space in between, same for the floor and insulation in between the space too. the same double or triple interconnected system could be use to build large Beams that will support heavy loads (roofs, second floors), and all of this structure would made with one material and one material only Bamboo! Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.

[@mikebailey2970]

How does one embed plumbing and electrical inside these walls?

[@freemind2823]

Nomadic tribes have been doing this for centuries. You can construct/deconstruct a new house within hours and transport it on a horseback! And it is 100% natural.

[@annebardon6112]

I would love to be involve on this research!!

[@madil2259]

This was eye opening.

[@mantasbabenskas2761]

Just as I thought - the only logical way to make houses reusable is to standartize the sructural elements. The problem is, the house is built for individual needs and that may contradict with the standard elements. But it's good that those problems are solved as reusing the carcass is obviously a smarter idea than putting it all in landfills

[@bikebudha01]

This reminds me of those little yellow tubes you could buy and build hamster cages with... Would be perfect for low income, hurricane zones, 3rd world large houses complexes, etc... And while I like the concept, where was the insulation? Where was the waterproofing? What is the material actually made of? (The sample project was wood)...

[@Robert-cu9bm]

The house wrap is mainly used as a water barrier from the outside elements, whilst allowing water vapour to escape the house to stop mold. Only if the joints are taped it becomes airtight.

[@brendarua01]

My ex couldn't assemble an IKEA desk. No WAY I'm stepping in a This-is-a-house-that-Jack-Built. Tab A into slot B on mushrooms! But seriously I love it. The way to do it is to trn it into toy sets like Leggo or Lincoln Logs. Kids who grow up with this will naturally be open to using it for more. Good luck! And thanks for opening my eyes

[@mnldgbD]

Sorry Brenda only for smart people!!

[@brendarua01]

@@mnldgbD That rules out my ex but includes every child around the world. Not bad.

[@mnldgbD]

@@brendarua01 ok fair enough, sorry for the comment, but thehouses would beassembled by professionals and we should still have some points to improve, but ine thing is for sure we have to take care of environment hipe that is no doubt about that!!

[@NidgeDFX]

Tornado proof/Hurricane proof houses = foundation higher off ground (Hurricane houses only) and huge (water/shock proof) metal shutters to come down from your roof and click into 6 (minimal) ft deep metal cemented beams around your house with the push of a button.

[@danh267]

I thought of the game total annihilation solar power plants on this.

[@hangoutwithsid]

Outstanding... This thing can also be a solution for government to provide home to poors... I'm having a gut feeling that this thing is gonna rock in near future.. JUST NEED PROPER MARKETING.. 🤘🏻👍🏻

[@albeit1]

It might be cheaper and quicker to build, but will creating these components be cheaper than wood? And will people still be using the same methods in 50 years and actually have a use for these, by then, very old components?

[@christophersmith8014]

Getting people to accept this erector set type construction isn't all that hard. It's the builders that you have to get invested in your vision. Is it faster, cheaper or easier to produce? What is the profit margin like? Can you get financing for it? Building code approval? Presumably the resale value should be quite good if you can sell a modular room off when you need some extra cash. But that would also make it difficult to secure any kind of long term mortgage loan since the bank cannot guarantee that you won't disassemble and sell pieces of the collateral. It's added work to routinely inspect and certify the condition of a property. If you offered financing from the manufacturer you might have a shot. Still have to get zoning authorities to let you build in already populated areas if you want to genuinely spread the idea though. I guess you could start your own city, that would be a good objective.

[@MansoorBinSaeed]

Was it a Ted presentation or crowdfunding project?

[@jimgriffiths9071]

Current building materials are unrecyclable. Fine. The Urbanites go with cnc erector sets. The Pioneers go with stone, timber, and natural insulation. Both approaches are better than spec built that is done today.

[@ieyeshiabates3556]

This seems cool but I can't help to wonder how reliable this structure would be against natural disasters such as tornadoes, etc.?

[@janibaldonado9173]

Send these to the Abaco islands! Quick and easy to use and able to transport. They could take it apart for hurricanes!

[@tbrannnonyo]

Jani Baldonado Perfect

[@tbrannnonyo]

After Dorian these would benefit refugees. Also useful on the border housing immigrants waiting for amnesty...

[@brandonvilla2420]

Of course this will be a great idea to implement but not possible yet I believe. Many jobs will be lost, labor professions will have to completely go back to the drawing board. Many problems but still it would be nice.

[@JeremyFinlay]

That's a valid concern. I don't think there will be a loss of work, as the demand is only increasing. There is definitely more to be gained than lost and I'm hoping to find something along these lines as a complete solution in the near future

[@aubz81]

It will just be a job evolution...jobs won't be lost, only will evolve in to what is needed now. People will have to uplevel their game, a form of evolution as well.

[@andrewcox710]

So what is the material used? Synthetic? Natural? How is it insulated and weatherproofed externally? Can it be multilayered? As in 2-4 story?

[@davidmiracle398]

Dream on young man! Now let's see some PRACTICAL demonstrations of your dream. Build some of your dream homes and let us walk through, sleep in, live in, your dream to see for ourselves what the heck you're so neatly talking about. Dreams are so sweet. Real life has a way of waking us up in the morning.

[@xorqwerty8276]

Let's do it

[@ncrpejxi]

Didn't explain what new materials to be used.

[@powercatsp]

I see in the real world example that you show only the structure. How does your product work with the rest of the building systems like electrical, heating and air conditioning, with cabling, and insulation materials?

[@wakeboardbob]

Guess Florida and the gulf coast will need everything bolted together cause with codes the way they are your Legos won't fly when a hurricane with 175 mph winds tries to rip your non-fastened structures apart

[@Bitachon]

*Cool idea....but missing peices....(no pun intended)...*

[@bulakhv]

Some house materials CAN be recycled, it just takes a little more work to demolish in stages and separate the materials. The wood framing is the most recyclable of the materials mentioned, and is not the part that needs to be reinvented. The presenter did not address how he will replace any of the other components he called rubbish, such as the insulation and house wrap.

[@superdon1chw]

Not going to work in Florida or the island down south cement is the answer there

[@katiekane5247]

Hempcrete resists moisture better.