Concrete composites

Hempcrete (Tradical, Hemcrete wall systems) is a mixture of hemp hurds (shives) and lime (possibly including natural hydraulic lime, sand, pozzolans or cement) used as a material for construction and insulation.

>acts as insulator

>bricks absorb emissions

>stronger than concrete

Henry Miller, a graduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, proposed the use of recycled granulated plastic embedded in concrete.

>integrity of concrete is the same

>plastic has a place other than landfills

>eliminates need to mine virgin aggregate 

The Habbakuk project took place during the late 1930s into WWII. In summary, the goal was to build an aircraft carrier out of Pykrete, a composite material made from approximately 14% saw dust (or some kind of wood pulp) and 86% ice.

>increased thermal resistance, did not melt nearly as fast as ice
>significantly stronger than ice
>easily and cheaply made and repaired

The Habbakuk project needed tests before building an aircraft carrier, so a test project was set up in Canada. (read more)