Have you heard of the Binishell? Robert Downey Jnr has had one built in Malibu, by Nicolo Bini.
This has captured worldwide attention, but the star connection it is not what most interests me. Rather, it is the Australian connection.
Binishells are domelike buildings formed by inflating a massive pneumatic bladder with air then encasing it in a skeleton of steel and spraying the structure with concrete. The giant balloon gets deflated, and the building is done.
This was a quick inexpensive solution for the NSW Education Department when faced with a critical shortage of school buildings in the ‘70s. Dante Bini was the builder. He and his family, including son Nicolo, spent six years in Australia around this time.
The few remaining Binishells in Sydney schools are now protected by a heritage conservation order.
At 603 square metres of internal space, the Malibu Binishell is the largest so far that Nicolo Bini has built.
With Binishells being price -competitive and extremely green, we may see more of them now that Mr Downey Jnr has brought them to our attention.
Apparently, they use fewer materials, have almost zero building waste, are an easier, faster build and the structure lasts longer. Even the concrete used has become environmentally friendly. Thermal qualities are substantial, and they are resistant to fire and the effects of flood damage. All in all, they seem to be ticking the boxes for the housing crisis and disaster relief housing.