What is Aircrete?

Written By Gabrielle Woods

So, what is AIRCRETE? Aircrete is a building material made from water, portland cement, and foam (water and dish soap).

The word ‘aircrete’ was coined by DomeGaia in 2014, but the concept itself has been around for MUCH longer. This masonry material is also called

  • aerated concrete

  • foamed concrete

  • cellular concrete.

Until recently, it was only used commercially because of the heavy equipment needed to create it. Fortunately for us, people like DomeGaia have designed smaller, easy-to-use foam generators. This makes it SO easy to mix aircrete yourself. (Though there is certainly a learning curve when you get started)

The key to getting this lightweight concrete JUST right, is the density of the foam. By adjusting the air compressor, you can adjust the density/amount of bubbles in the foam.

*Remember that more air/higher pressure = LESS density

Benefits of Aircrete:

  • Materials and tools are affordable and readily available

  • Aircrete is light weight and easy to cut (can be cut using wood working tools)

  • Eco friendly - unlike typical building materials, there aren’t harsh chemicals in your bricks and has reduced environmental impact

  • Customizable - because the material is so easy to work with, you can let create all sorts of fun and exciting shapes

  • Great insulator (R Value)

  • Non-flammable

  • Water Resistant

  • Pest Proof

So there are tons of reasons that aircrete is SWEET. The whole DIY aspect of this material had us excited from the start, and it made the most sense to us. Aircrete Dome Home, here we come!


Gabrielle Woods
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