LAVA-Volcanic Architecture

SUMMARY

 

LAVA;  Lightweight Aggregate, Vertical Application   (Concrete)

 

LAVA-Works is the technology company developed to make volcanic materials useful for architecture. The term LAVA is used as an umbrella term to cover the range of volcanic aggregates which bring greatest performance value to architecture design and construction.

 

LAVA -Works started with and continues using volcanic Cinder and Scoria for construction.  Other volcanic materials, such as; Pumice, Tuff, Perlite, work similarly as well.   Also, some grades of sand and other non-porous aggregates can be used, with different natural architectural qualities.

 

LAVA also refers to the especially "thick" consistency of volcanic concrete which greatly enhances its vertical form-ability.  It resembles natural lava just as it begins to solidify, except cool.

 

The largest advancements for lava in the future are related to forming.  The simplified forming process is similar to "sandcastle" forming.   Sandcastle simplicity make construction economical.

 

Depending upon the aggregates used and the climate, several building steps can be modified to suit the needs.  The natural aggregate has a wide range of performances.  Many building steps can be simplified, reduced and eliminated such as; connections are case-in, insulation, fire protection, wall finish all occur as part of the forming process.