Steering the Legacy of Climate Tech for a Resilient Planet

This blog was provided by NanoArchitech

NanoArchitech is an awards-winning company receiving recognition every year since the Cleantech Open in 2013 to Architectural Record and Built World in Europe in 2020. Like most good things in life, NanoArchitech was born out of love. “For John and I, it has been our life’s pursuit to solve the world’s most critical problems. John was the number one scientific consultant to the US government and others around the world. NanoArchitech now carries the torch creating green chemistry solutions from all-natural minerals. The combination of nanoparticles allows for engineering at the atomic level. We create a highly adhesive binder that can combine a variety of fillers, including recycled fibers and specific types of sand, for example. An exothermic chemical reaction creates heat when ingredients interact and quickly cure at room temperature.

“We formulate environmentally conscious nanomaterials to eliminate the high carbon footprint in common cement processing, being one ton of carbon to every ton of cement. The multi-beneficial composites solve a broad range of problems for construction, infrastructure, and human health,” says Jan Thoren, Co-Founder, and CEO.

As a principal designer in sustainable architecture for 25 years, Ms. Thoren found available building materials limiting, unhealthy and inadequate. Throughout her career she researched efficient alternatives to legacy materials like concrete, wood, and steel. She was introduced to John Orava while searching for non-toxic solutions and was fascinated by the multiple benefits. “We met at Lake Tahoe at his lab. I was immediately fascinated by the tech and brain machines he was working on and was invited to join the team. The AIA
suggested that architects and scientists work together to solve problems a year later. We were already there! It was the beginning of what is now a cutting- edge company strong in resilience and preparedness while incorporating the circular economy,” recalls Jan.

Today, the dynamic team of architects, engineers, and chemists is enriching the legacy with new materials and embedded solar. Chief Technology Officer, Jeff Selph has several patents of his own and experience in infrastructure and proven hurricane-proof housing. The IP addresses encapsulation of toxins like radiation and resilient super-materials for construction and infrastructure. The responsive building system will help end deforestation and toxic high heat processes. Building for extreme longevity and a zero-carbon footprint will radically improve construction. The revolutionary solutions can be applied like stucco with less than half the material and in one coat as opposed to three coats. Precast panels cure in minutes, not hours. 3D-printed construction is here will deeply reduce time and costs. Each method yields stronger, lighter, faster materials to withstand the climate crisis that legacy materials are not capable of.

“Evolving from four decades of R&D in Biophysics Research Foundation, Inc., founded by John Orava, NanoArchitech is a leader in the Resilience and Preparedness movement with global patents and plans for a worldwide supply chain. Conductive capabilities for integrating renewable energy can make any building autonomous. NanoArchitech offers solutions focused on indestructible shelter. Indoor benefits include antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and sound barrier benefits. This is not only important to minimize indoor toxins for living but also for indoor farming which is a rising market for food safety,” says Jan.

NanoArchitech’s “single-source solution” Neuskyns™ and Fireskyns™ are innovative nanoceramic finishes and solid composites for resilient thin-shell construction. The high performance saves billions of dollars annually on unnecessary losses and rebuilding. The nanocomposites stand up to extreme conditions and last for generations. Whereas legacy materials are heavy, toxic, and cumbersome, Neuskyns™ are not. With growing concerns of the high carbon emissions from clinker plants, NanoArchitech’s ‘green’ alternative is the best substitute for concrete minus the health drawbacks of mold, viruses,
and bacteria.

The company’s flexible solutions offer a wide range of creative and aesthetic possibilities that architects and engineers crave. As architecture converges with nanotechnology, the floodgate opens to infinite possibilities. “What really attracted me to advanced composites is that you can mold it into any shape at a low cost. As an architect, I’ve always loved curved shapes, but my clients didn’t like the cost. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, curves divert water and wind loads and cut damage. With our products, aesthetics and functionality goes hand in hand, cost-effectively,” says Jan.

The building industry is now 60 percent green and rapidly shifting to smart, affordable, and sustainable climate tech. The environment will improve once the nine percent of all global emissions from common cement is reduced and long-life technology replaces it. Then we can all breathe easier. NanoArchitech offers a carbon-neutral solution with a smart building system in the certification process.

“NanoArchitech is revolutionizing construction for Resilience and Preparedness with a carbon-neutral foot print to help keep the planet in balance for generations to come. This is the nano difference. We are a social benefit with a wide range of applications to replace legacy materials with ecologically sound ones,” says Jan.

“We are an advanced technology group with a global agenda offering powerful, resilient solutions for the built environment. The time is now to Prepare and “Build Back Better” with a sharp focus on safe food, clean water and resilient shelter in this challenging era”

The company offers a material supply chain to industries from housing to bridge repair and marine applications such as coral reef rebuilding and underwater gas line replacement. NanoArchitech offers a comprehensive package for the construction landscape and will reduce toxic cement plants with simple blending plants at a lower price as the composites become mainstream. Being highly adhesive, heat-reflective, and energy-efficient Fireskyns™ products can be applied to existing roofs, walls, and floors.

NanoArchitech will supply materials to a broad range of projects, including bridge renovation, ocean restoration projects, pre-casting underwater pipelines, and coral reefs, architectural walls, seawalls, and wharf restoration. The company has a long line-up of upcoming projects in affordable housing with fire and waterproof nanocomposites. One investor is contributing to build a new headquarters for the company in Santa Cruz, with monolithic fireproof structures for the labs and offices with 3D structures to follow.

With the myriad of advanced technology solutions, Ms.Thoren’s vision is to have global partners managing blending plants and distribution facilities to advance the availability of the climate tech-strengthening environmental solutions for infrastructure, buildings, and a broad range of applications. The company is seeking partners and grants to further spread the global supply
Chain.

“The responsive structural system allows for lunar habitat which requires a closed-loop system. After attending a 3-day workshop at NASA, I know that resources from the lunar environment can be used to 3D print ahead of human arrival from lunar regolith and asteroid sourced resources. Of course, it is prohibitive to haul legacy materials to the moon due to high costs. As I see it, the same principles used in the closed-loop system required in space habitat can help us achieve our sustainability goals on Earth in a timely manner to preserve and protect this beautiful planet,” says Jan.

To learn more about NanoArchitech, register to attend the Natural Disasters Expo in Anaheim, California on November 9th & 10th.