King Arthur – A Round Table for all
Best of Austrian Design
Even in ancient times, Roman builders recognised the potential of materials that are not only stable but also durable over the long term.
In the famous Pantheon in Rome, for example, concrete with volcanic ash, trass and other minerals – so-called pozzolans – was used that has retained its structure for thousands of years and is still one of the best examples of ancient engineering.
The company Rieder also made use of this material advantage with its CO₂-reduced glass-fibre-reinforced concrete matrix, which was awarded a Red Dot in the Innovative Design category in 2023.
The Roman architecture of the Pantheon
The Pantheon in Rome, completed in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Hadrian, is considered one of the most impressive examples of Roman architecture. Particularly noteworthy is the huge dome, which was made from a type of Roman concrete containing pozzolana and other mineral components.
The key advantage of pozzolans was the creation of a strong yet lightweight material capable of supporting the enormous loads of the dome. By combining trass, volcanic ash and limestone, the builders of the Pantheon were able to produce a concrete that was not only strong but also had remarkable durability. In addition, the use of pozzolans enabled the production of a concrete that did not crumble over the centuries and even became more and more resistant.
This early form of sustainable construction shows how important the choice of the right materials is for the durability of buildings.
CO₂-reduced glass fibre reinforced concrete matrix from Rieder
Rieder’s CO₂-reduced glass fibre reinforced concrete matrix, inspired by the cast masonry of the Pantheon, paves the way for a more environmentally friendly and durable construction method. The innovation lies in the addition of natural, locally occurring pozzolans, which gradually replace cement – in this product, they already account for 50 per cent.
The building material thus combines the sustainability of ancient techniques with the modern requirements of the construction industry. The 13-mm-thin fibreglass concrete façade panels are robust, fire-resistant and durable, and they impressed the Red Dot Jury across the board “The use of local, naturally occurring materials results in lower CO₂ emissions, making the facade elements more sustainable.”
Special exhibition “Best of Austrian Design” at the Red Dot Design Museum Essen
The exhibition “Best of Austrian Design”, which can be seen at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen from 18 December 2024, showcases award-winning projects from Austria in cooperation with designaustria. Works that have been honoured with the Austrian State Prize for Design or the Austrian Interior Design Award focus on topics such as progress, social relevance and sustainability. Among the exhibits are products from renowned brands such as woom, Swarovski Optik, Bene Office Furniture and Otto Bock Healthcare Products, as well as works from Austrian design studios that are less well known in this country. The exhibition will run until 9 February 2025.
