Bread Box? Recycling Bin?

My idea for this project was to create a simple stackable unit that could be used as a wall structure as well as a planting area.


For this first attempt I choose to stick to simplicity which ended up being wise as even this simple design (which ended up looking something between a bread box, bird house, and stacking recycling bin) was problematic!


The form was created using pink foam, caulking, and duct tape. As the caulking ran out I used duct tape to smooth out the seams on the interior of the form (exterior of the brick). This technique gave an interesting almost shiny texture to the end product.

Shelby and I combined efforts in concrete mixing. We used a mix of about 2 parts cement to 3 parts sand. This mix ended up being quite crumbly. In the future upping the cement content will be experimented with.


When all was said and done, this was the lovely result! The concrete mixture didn't fill in the mold completely and the gap degraded even more as I removed the foam interior. And, as can be seen in the picture, the mold did not want to be removed easily.

All in all, a great learning experience! On to the next!