FRICKS: Recycled Foamed Bricks for a Circular Built Environment

FRICKS, short for Foamed Recycled Bricks, is an innovative building material developed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). The project transforms construction and demolition waste (CDW) into sustainable, high-performance bricks. Designed for architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and product designers, FRICKS supports the shift toward circular and regenerative architecture.

Turning Waste Into Building Potential

Traditionally, CDW marks the end of a building’s life. FRICKS sees it differently. The project reuses brick and ceramic waste to produce new bricks made from a geopolymer composite. These bricks are lightweight, thermally insulating, and contain up to 95% less embodied energy than conventional fired clay bricks.

Unlike traditional bricks, FRICKS bricks do not require firing or artificial drying. They cure at room temperature. As a result, energy use during production is significantly lower, making the bricks ideal for use in regions with limited energy access or strict emission targets.

Digital Craftsmanship Meets Circular Design

Each brick is formed using a foamed geopolymer mix, which is cast into digitally designed, 3D printed clay shells. These shells stay in place and serve as the final surface finish. This process allows for a wide range of shapes, from standard to complex forms. Therefore, FRICKS is suitable for restoration projects, contemporary architecture, and experimental design.

To demonstrate its versatility, the team built a full-scale prototype wall. It was exhibited at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025. The wall includes thirteen unique modules. These show how insulation, form, and visual appeal can be combined in one material system.

Designed for Variation and Reuse

A key part of the project is its design-by-variation logic. Small differences in texture or shape are embraced. Each brick is unique, but still fits into a modular system. This challenges the idea that mass production must lead to uniformity. Instead, FRICKS encourages mass customization with circular value.

A Blueprint for Regenerative Architecture

FRICKS offers more than a new material; it proposes a new way to build. By reusing waste and cutting energy use, it aligns with global efforts to reduce construction’s environmental impact. It is a scalable, adaptable solution that supports the future of low-carbon, circular design.

For design professionals seeking sustainable material innovations, FRICKS represents a promising step toward a cleaner, more resilient built environment.

Source & photos: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
Authors: Claudia Gowgiel, Pinelopi Filothei Karali, Juliana Mariz de Oliveira Simantob
Exhibition Curator: Carlo Ratti
Design & Research: Claudia Gowgiel, Pinelopi Filothei Karali, Juliana Mariz de Oliveira Simantob
Advisors: Areti Markopoulou, Nikol Kirova
Fabrication Support: Secil Afsar, Sheikh Rizvi Riaz, Marielena Papandreou