SEATTLE, Wash. – Researchers from Washington State University’s (WSU) School of Design and Construction have received international recognition for their innovative approach to using drywall waste technology to build affordable tiny homes in the Seattle area.
Led by Professor Taiji Miyasaka and David Drake, the project won an AZ Award in environmental leadership. This award, from Azure’s international architecture and design competition, acknowledges excellence and innovation in showcasing the world’s best projects, WSU said in a release.
Drywall, commonly known as gypsum board, is a widely used building material. However, it contributes significantly to construction waste, with 10 million tons ending up in U.S. landfills annually.
Miyasaka and Drake developed a process that transforms drywall scrap into usable building materials, creating blocks and panels from up to 90% drywall waste, according to the release.
WSU researchers said they estimate that drywall waste from constructing 16 new homes could produce enough material to build a tiny house. In the Seattle area, this could result in about 800 tiny homes per year.
The project team, which includes Jason Peschel, Omar Al-Hassawi, Juliette Dubroca, and former student Pimchid Chariyacharoen, also received a People’s Choice Award and an Award of Merit in the Concepts category.
The Spokane Masonry Industry Promotion Group will soon test the performance of these innovative blocks by constructing a full-scale wall mock-up.
