Terra Cotta Decorative Brick

Decorative brickwork in Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Decorative brickwork in Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal

A highlight of my trip to Nepal has been the traditional Newari brick. Beautiful examples of this architectural terra cotta clay brick abound in Kathmandu. Terra cotta brick and tiles are very affordable because they’re made with low fired clay.

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Watershed Materials Develops Clay Masonry Twice as Strong as Concrete

Geopolymer is stronger than Portland concrete and has a very low-carbon footprint
Geopolymer is stronger than Portland concrete and has a very low-carbon footprint

California-based startup Watershed Materials, with support from the National Science Foundation, has spent the last four years researching and developing a concrete alternative. Currently, their studies have produced a masonry created with natural, mineral based geopolymers, that has incredible strength and very low-carbon footprint.

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