by Tomas Janka
This pergola project examines the possibilities of the alternative use of the Envirogrid as a structural skeleton for an irregular surface of an exterior canopy.
Envirogrid’s common uses include soil confinement, slope stream channel and shoreline erosion protection, as well as ground and vertical walls stabilization. The strips of perforated polyethylene plastic are thermo-welded together into a rectangular panel. When the panel is expanded it forms a honeycomb structure. The soil-filled structure can support heavy loads such as tanks and trucks.
The material has inherent structural properties, however those did not in order to achieve an irregular surface, which was the main objective of this project, the project expanded to investigate the combination of Envirogrid with foam as a composite element, introducing increased rigidity, while maintaining its lightness.
The idea of the use of the foam inside the honeycomb structure stems out of another material discovered in the Materials Collection: Mikor is a foam filled honeycomb, which combines the physical properties of foam and honeycomb to yield a material with high-strength-to-weight ratio properties.
The foam would be sprayed into the cellular structure of the Envirogrid. This would form a rigid and walkable surface.. The other areas would be left open to allow for shift in elevation as well as light transmission.
Since Envirogrid is used for erosion control and soil confinement, a green layer can potentially be planted into the honeycomb cells.While the Envirogrid system is based on strips of perforated polyethylene plastic that are thermo-welded together into a rectangular panel. However, a different type of joint is possible - a highly resistant staple system for extreme slopes or structural requirements. The perforation of the strips then allow for drainage.