Papercrete Block Preparation

Step1: Mold preparation

Fig. 1: Molds with interior dimensions: 5” x 10” x 3.5” were put together in order to form the papercrete blocks.

In pictures: Brandon Helms

Step 2: Slurry Preparation

Fig. 3-6: The slurry was made using recycled paper from UNCC phone books that were hand shredded into small pieces. Portland cement and water were added to the shredded paper and mixed to make the slurry used for the papercrete blocks.

In Pictures: Paa Kwesi Prah-Ennin, Brooke Bowden, David Bost, Randy M. Joseph, Brandon Helms.

Fig. 7-10: The Slurry was hand mixed until it gained enough consistency to be spread into the molds.

In pictures: Brooke Bowden, Randy M. Joseph, Paa Kwesi Prah-Ennin

Step 3: Block Molding and Drying

Fig. 11 to 14: The slurry was placed into the molds and any extra papercrete material was shaved off using a wooden palette. After 30-40 minutes under the sun, the papercrete blocks were ready to be removed from the mold to be dried out on plywood board.

In pictures: Brooke Bowden, Brandom Helms, David Bost, Paa Kwesi Prah-Ennin, Randy M. Joseph.

Fig. 15 to 18: Two batches of papercrete blocks were made using the same procedures and left to be dried in sunlight.

In pictures: Brandon Helms, David Bost, Brooke Bowden, Paa Kwesi Prah-Ennin.