2025 | Professional

NY Architectural Design Awards Silver Winner Winner

Terra Carbon | Carbon Capture Structure

Entrant Company

Weiyu Xu

Category

Innovative Architecture - Sustainable and Green Building Technologies

Client's Name

Country / Region

United States

Terra Carbon is a portable, self-sustaining carbon capture system that transforms atmospheric CO₂ into the construction materials of the future. At the core of the device is an innovative humidity-swing amine-based resin, which absorbs carbon dioxide from ambient air under dry conditions and releases it when exposed to moisture. This process requires no external power, relying instead on passive environmental triggers and simple mechanical control.

Once the CO₂ is released, it is directed into an airtight mineralization chamber containing silicate rocks. These naturally reactive minerals bind with the carbon dioxide through a chemical process, turning it into a stable, solid form. The resulting material acts as a carbon-rich base, ideal for supporting the growth of mycelium, a fast-growing, biodegradable material with excellent thermal and structural properties.

The mycelium-infused composite is then molded into construction components such as bricks and pavers. These bio-based materials can be used in various contexts—from connecting deforested and natural zones to forming resilient, breathable building facades. Their ability to regulate temperature and absorb water also makes them a practical solution for flood-prone or erosion-sensitive regions.

Terra Carbon is designed to function independently in diverse environments, powered by integrated solar and wind energy systems. Water needed for the CO₂ release process is harvested passively through the device’s structure, ensuring minimal maintenance and full off-grid capability. Because of its compact, modular design, the system can be easily transported and deployed in rural, urban, coastal, or forested regions—wherever carbon capture and environmental restoration are needed most.

This system represents a new paradigm in climate-responsive design—one that not only reduces atmospheric carbon, but also regenerates ecosystems and provides tangible materials for sustainable architecture. By bridging carbon sequestration with circular material production, Terra Carbon offers a scalable, actionable solution for climate resilience across the globe.

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