June 20, 2023

25 minutes

Available for over a year

A young scientist has developed a white powder which gives waste soil concrete-like properties.

Gnanli Landrou grew up in Togo, helping his neighbours dry out soil to make bricks, and his big dream is to help people like them build stronger, cheaper, houses.

But the European building industry is also excited about his new, low carbon building material.

We talk to Gnanli about his ambitions for this extraordinary powder, and meet the Swiss architect who is about to build a luxury apartment block with it.

This episode was first broadcast in May 2022.

Presenter: Myra Anubi

Reporter: Jo Mathys

Series producer: Tom Colls

Sound mix: Hal Haines

Editor: Penny Murphy

Email: [email protected]

Image: Gnanli Landrou