The Cube: Earth’s First Building Constructed of Carbon Fiber Concrete

The project began in 2020, on the campus of Dresden University of Technology in Germany, and was completed two and a half years later. Earth’s first building made entirely from carbon-reinforced concrete was inaugurated in September 2022. Over the past several decades, carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has gained wide acceptance as a superior material for concrete reinforcement and repair in commercial and residential applications, and for heavy construction use on bridges, highway overpasses, dams, and large buildings. Carbon fiber was used to construct the roof of the Apple Theatre at Apple headquarters in California, and was used extensively to reinforce the concrete of Symphony House, a 32-story condominium tower in Philadelphia. Carbonhaus, however, is the first of its kind. Nicknamed The Cube (Carbon Concrete Composite, ergo C3), the new building represents a major paradigm shift in how we look at building and construction.

Revolutionary Architectural Innovation
Strengthened with carbon fiber yarn woven into a mesh, the concrete is four times stronger than standard concrete, yet is four times lighter. Because of the exceptional strength, the entire two-story, 2,200-square-foot structure could be made thinner, which meant far less material was needed—roughly 50%—to ensure the same structural integrity as traditional construction. The building is touted as having a 200-year lifespan, and because carbon fiber is lightweight and flexible, the walls and ceilings were merged into a single form, giving the entire structure an attractive and organic futuristic aesthetic.

Conceptual Turnaround
The construction of The Cube is a complete diversion from the use of steel rebar in concrete construction. Applying the concepts of this innovative construction method to the future, structures can be made with fewer resources. Because carbon fiber is electrically conductive, buildings can be equipped with internal networking, which would allow for inherent security systems and improved communication accessibility. The increased strength of future structures may also provide more stability and security in areas of high seismic activity.

To learn more about how carbon fiber can help you in the here and now with concrete repair and reinforcement, contact our support team at Carbon Fiber Support.