Litracon is a light-transmitting concrete material, which allows light to pass through concrete up to 20 metres thick without losing its brightness˜
As the world grapples with high energy cost and power shortages, Litracon could very well be the answer – in using natural light indoors, which will considerably reduce the use of electricity during day time. If the Middle East construction sector were to adopt Litracon, large orders would necessitate production in bulk – driving the production cost down, and also helping this exciting technology to spread faster and reach developing countries.
Litracon™ was invented by Hungarian architect Áron LOSONCZI in 2001 and is patent-protected internationally. Litracon is composed of roughly four per cent optical glass fibres placed parallel within a fine mix of concrete. The fibres mingle in the concrete because of their small size, resulting in a homogeneous material from exterior surface to the centre – retaining the compressive strength qualities of concrete.
The fibres lead light by points between the two sides of the blocks. Because of their parallel position, the light information on the brighter side of such a wall appears unchanged on the darker side. The most interesting form of this phenomenon is probably the sharp display of shadows on the opposing side of the wall. Moreover, the colour of the light also remains the same.
Load-bearing structures can be also built of these blocks, since the fibres do not have a negative effect on the high compressive strength value of concrete. The blocks can be produced in various colours and sizes to be used in all sorts of interior and exterior walls, pavements, signage etc.
Áron LOSONCZI can be contacted through Litracon’s website www.litracon.hu
