Translucent concrete

Introduction

Litracon® products present the phenomenon of light transmitting concrete in the form of widely applicable new building materials.

Litracon Classic®

World’s first commercially available translucent concrete Litracon Classic® is a combination of optical fibres and fine concrete. It can be produced as prefabricated building blocks. Due to the small size of the fibres, they blend into concrete becoming a component of the material like small pieces of aggregate. In this manner, the result is not only two materials - glass in concrete - mixed, but a third, new material, which is homogeneous in its inner structure and on its main surfaces as well. Litracon Classic® is a fully handmade product which results an exceptional and individual pattern of light in each piece. Litracon Classic® was listed among the most important inventions of year 2004 by TIME magazine.

Litracon pXL®

Contrary to Litracon Classic®, in Litracon pXL® there are no optical fibers for light transmission but a specially formed and patented plastic unit. This and the industrialized way of manufacturing bring the new pXL® material into a more affordable price range. The panels are reinforced and can even be storey-high that makes installation easier. The light dots appear with regular distribution on the surface of the pXL® panels just like pixels on an LCD screen. Besides, it is easy to create patterns or even coloured logos out of the pixels. It is also possible to create not only plain panels but 3D objects e.g. folded or curved forms, hollow bodies with the Litracon pXL® technology. Among many others, this option can give ideas to design e.g. public statues or illuminated street furniture.

Awards

red dot: best of the best – 2005 (D)
Leaf Award – 2006 (UK)
iF Material Design Award – 2008 (D)
Designpreis nomination – 2006, 2009 (D)