“Surf Blocks” are fire-resistant, termite-proof, and close the loop on mountains of waste from the state’s beloved sport.
Housing in Hawai‘i is in short supply. So is space for landfills. But one Hawaiian architecture firm is aiming to change that, transforming polystyrene foam offcuts from surfboard manufacturing into a new building material similar in function to cinder blocks.
According to Honolulu Civil Beat, however, Surf Blocks’ performance blows cinder blocks out of the water. Developed by architecture firm Off Grid, they’re purportedly cheaper and more insulating as well as being termite and fire-resistant — a critical feature in the wake of Maui’s devastating fires. They also use about a third of the concrete — a carbon-intensive material — that cinder blocks do.
“The state has weighed several options to try to resolve chronic housing issues while also contending with climate change, marked in recent years by destructive weather events including the 2023 Maui fires. Construction materials are among the pain points, given that they are predominantly produced elsewhere, shipped to Hawaiʻi and sold here at a premium,” writes Thomas Heaton. At the same time, the islands’ limited landfills struggle to cope with large amounts of foam waste that is light, but space-intensive.
See pictures of the first home being built exclusively with Surf Blocks and read more below.
FULL STORY: Riding A Wave: Surfboard Waste Turned Into Building Blocks For New Homes
U.S. Home Construction Costs Are Higher Than Ever
With demand soaring and materials in short supply, the cost of building a home has risen sharply in the last year.
Austin’s Building Boom Not Reaching Lowest-Income Families
Despite having the highest rate of affordable housing construction in the nation, Austin is still underproducing housing for the neediest households.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.
Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding
The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions