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Next-Generation Building with Carbon Reinforced Concrete
With the CUBE project, the aim was to prove the real-world viability of carbon reinforced concrete (CRC) beyond the lab. Traditional steel reinforcement limits both durability and design freedom due to corrosion. The C³ – Carbon Concrete Composite research project sought to demonstrate the performance, sustainability and form potential of carbon reinforcement in a complete structure – the first of its kind worldwide.
Project Overview
- Location: Dresden, Germany
- Client: Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement (SIB)
- Design & Research Lead: TU Dresden, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Curbach
- Construction Period: 2020–2022
- Contractors: ARGE Hentschke Bau GmbH & Bendl HTS GmbH & Co. KG
- Application: Research, Laboratory, Event Space
The Architecture
The building is divided into two distinct structural elements:
BOX
- Rectangular core made of prefabricated double walls and hollow-core slabs.
- Functions as the laboratory and event space.
- Constructed with dark carbon concrete components.
TWIST
- A freeform, doubly curved element that transitions from a vertical wall into a roof.
- Constructed using sprayed carbon concrete with a highly complex 3D geometry.
- Layered sandwich structure:
- 30 mm architectural face layer
- 60 mm ribbed core
- Insulation layer
- 40 mm carbon concrete weather shell
The TWIST's execution involved extensive testing, mockups and material trials – especially regarding insulation, sealing, optimal concrete formulations and formed reinforcements. These reinforcements where custom-made by us.
Key facts
| Application | Walls & Facades |
| Products used | |
| Year | 2022 |
| Location | Dresden, Germany |
| Project | Freeform, doubly curved concrete facade that transitions from vertical wall into roof. |
Material Technology
For this unique geometry, solidian GRID carbon mesh was used – the only product on the market that met the structural and dimensional requirements:
- Mesh size: up to 3.0 m x 8.0 m
- Prepreg carbon textile molded into shape and cured in an special oven
- A total of 64 3D-formed reinforcement elements were manufactured
- For the roof, solidian ANTICRACK mesh was applied to ensure crack width limitation and improve the bonding with concrete
An important innovation: These reinforcements were not only used in precast elements, but also successfully applied on-site — a major milestone in flexible carbon reinforced concrete application.
Results & Benefits
- Durability: Carbon reinforcement does not corrode – eliminating major lifecycle costs
- Material Efficiency: Up to 80% less concrete needed due to minimized concrete cover
- Sustainability: Reduced cement, steel, water and sand consumption
- Design Freedom: Enables ultra-thin, organic forms that would be impossible with traditional steel
CUBE is not just a research lab – it is proof of concept. It shows that carbon reinforced concrete is not only extremly durable, but also an enabler of radically new architecture. The collaboration between TU Dresden, solidian.kelteks, Hentschke Bau GmbH and others has delivered a building that is aesthetic, sustainable and visionary – laying the foundation for the future of construction.
Images: TU Dresden, Stephan Gröschel
