Breathe Bricks – Operation Mechanism, Applications, Advantages

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Breathe Brick is a masonry system which is designed and constructed to constitute and be a part of ventilation system of buildings. It filters polluted outdoor air so that it becomes healthy enough to bring directly into occupied spaces.  

Breathe Brick does not need any energy for its operation because it works with pressure and temperature differentials. It is reported that breathe brick system removes 30% of fine particles and 100% coarse particles and hence makes the air in the room healthier.

Breathe Brick System Components

The breathe brick system consists of two major components which include:

1. Concrete Bricks

Breathe brick unit is a structural masonry component within which a cyclone filter is embedded. The concrete bricks feature a faceted surface which helps to direct airflow into the and a separate cavity for inserting steel structure. The brick is designed in such a way that it can replace some exterior.

2. Recycled plastic coupler

It helps to align bricks and creates a route from the outside into the brick's hollow center.

How Breathe Brick Wall Operates?

The air outside the structure is directed into rectangular inlet ports with the help of the faceted surface of the Brick. The air that comes into the system is spinned by cyclone filter winnowing out particles.

The cyclone filter is cast directly into the concrete form. The filtered air that passes into the cavity of the double-wythe wall system could then supply an HVAC system or an adjacent interior space directly.

Applications

Breathe Brick is optimal for one or two-story structures in areas with poor air quality. Added to that, it is specifically designed for regions with elevated outdoor particulate matter. It can be used to construct exterior walls, such as a plenum or courtyard, sound walls along freeways, and school playground enclosures.

Advantages

1. Cheap
2. Environmentally friendly
3. Energy efficient since it operates without electricity and makes a part of the ventilation system.
4. Passively filter outdoor air prior to introduction to an indoor environment.
5. Breathe brick system can operate as active; integrated into existing HVAC system, or passive as independent system.