A Novel Green Alternative for a Room Prototype Constructed with Entire Recycled PET Bottles and a Green Roof Composed of Waste Materials

Abstract

In this study, we propose a methodology for constructing a prototype room intended primarily for people with low incomes, allowing self-construction practices and upcycling of widely available waste materials in their original form. Mechanical tests were conducted on single bottles of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filled with different materials as well as on entire PET bottle/concrete blocks. Higher strength was observed when the bottles were in a horizontal position. The mechanical performance of the construction solution adopted for the prototype was not tested, and therefore its structural adequacy was not proven. The insulating multilayer roof was composed of waste plastic bags, two layers of uncapped PET bottles of differing shapes and sizes, another layer of plastic bags, waste cardboard, soil from the site, and a top endemic plant green layer. The PET bottles used in construction were filled with clay from the site, although bottles filled with fly ash achieved better mechanical results. The bottles can also be used uncapped and empty, which would simplify the process considerably by reducing the filling stage. This can be considered to be the main proposal for this type of building. There were almost negligible solid wastes generated, since they were used in the multilayered green roof. From a top view, the prototype mimics the surroundings because the green roof incorporates soil from the site and endemic plants.