In 2004, the University of Manchester sparked a minor scientific revolution with the discovery of Graphene; the world’s first nanomaterial.  For an architectural specialist like Harry Dhaliwal, who is franchisee for Belvoir Lettings, the discovery of Graphene has huge possibilities. Through the Harry Dhaliwal specialist Linkedin page, many more property development experts are exploring the incredible potential of nanomaterials in architecture.

Here are just five ways that nanomaterials have already revolutionised building.

Lighter Materials

The light weight of graphene is hugely significant. Bricks, concrete, and steel girders are incredibly heavy materials. They require a lot of energy to transport, construct, and one of the biggest challenges facing architects is how to support such heavy materials in constructions. With the thickness of just a few atoms, nanomaterials are fantastically light. Reducing the weight of building materials is a simple, yet  effective way to dramatically reduce construction costs.

Insulation

The tightly packed structure of Graphene makes it a superb insulating material. While many modern fire retardant materials are bulky, inconvenient, and sometimes even hazardous, Graphene based composites could be light, efficient, and safe. Researchers at Stockholm University in fact have recently developed a new, highly effective, Graphene based insulating foam.

More efficient insulation will make homes more energy efficient; giving home owners cheaper bills.

Rust Resistance

As well as resisting heat, Graphene can insulate against oxygen, therefore preventing oxidisation. New composite materials, combining Graphene with paint, could provide builders with cheap, effective rust resistant coatings for their materials. Rust resistance will increase the life-span of metal building materials, and help homes last longer without repairs.

Semiconductors

As well as insulating, Graphene is also a great conductor. The molecular scale of Graphene materials is helping the electronics industry reduce the size of transistors and semiconductors. Recently, scientists at Manchester University have observed electrons passing through Graphene as viscous fluid, which could change the way we understand how electronics operate.

This tiny, convenient nature of Graphene semiconductors is making wearable technology more efficient, and for property developers like Harry Dhaliwal could increase the potential to include more integrated technology throughout people’s homes. 

Supercapacitors

Graphene Supercapacitors make energy storage far more efficient. While many cars already use supercapacitors in their batteries, architects could potentially take advantage of this energy storage too. Graphene could potentially increase the electrical storage capacity of solar panels, providing homes with cheaper energy as a result.