MIT engineers have unveiled an innovative approach to construction with 3D printed glass bricks.

The interlocking bricks, created from molten recycled glass, offer significant advantages in both strength and sustainability. Their unique design allows them to be assembled and disassembled with ease, providing flexibility for future reuse and promoting a circular economy in construction.

What sets this development apart is the material choice — recycled glass — which not only reduces waste, but also lowers the embodied carbon footprint compared to conventional building materials like concrete. Made with 3D printing, the glass bricks are capable of withstanding significant pressures, comparable to traditional masonry, making them a reliable choice for structural applications such as facades and internal walls.

Beyond their structural integrity, the bricks’ aesthetic potential is notable. The transparency and reflectivity of glass introduce new possibilities in architectural design, offering dynamic visual effects that can be harnessed to manipulate light and create striking facades.

Photos: MIT