Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is hailed as one of the most versatile synthetic materials with wide-ranging applications. PVC pipes, in particular, are a thriving product segment.
Straits Research predicts that the global PVC pipes market, valued at $25,484.20 million in 2022, will expand to $42,690.83 million by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%.
PVC pipes are particularly popular in plumbing, drainage, and conduit applications. PVC pipes fittings practically guarantee the pipes’ versatility and are one reason contractors like using PVC pipes for piping.
Types of PVC Pipes
PVC pipes typically fall under one of four categories.
1. PVC-U
PVC-U is unplasticized PVC or plastic unsoftened by additives. It’s the go-to plastic for pipes and fittings, especially for systems that transport drinking water and handle waste. It is lightweight, affordable, and resistant to chemicals and UV rays.
2. C-PVC
C-PVC, or chlorinated PVC, is a variant with a higher chlorine content. It shares many qualities with PVC-U but outperforms the latter in temperature tolerance and flexibility.
3. PVC-O
PVC-O is molecularly oriented PVC. It has a layered structure, which translates to improved strength, stiffness, and flexibility. It is an excellent material for pressure pipes and below-ground irrigation.
4. Modified PVC
Modified PVC is PVC that has been chemically altered, so it’s tougher and more resistant to cracking. It can be used to create thinner pipes with better fluid flow.
High-impact PVC or PVC-HI is a modified PVC variant made by adding an impact modifier to PVC-U. This plastic is much more resistant to external blows and is suitable for natural and hydrogen gas transport.
Going Beyond Traditional Piping Applications
The uses of PVC pipes go beyond plumbing, drainage, and conduit piping, however. A new wave of architectural design professionals is championing PVC pipes’ innovative use in sustainable and affordable projects.
The Wide Availability and Versatility of PVC
Statista says the global market size of PVC is expected to grow to 60 million metric tons by 2025. Globally, it is the third most consumed thermoplastic, next to polyethylene and polypropylene. This wide and ready availability of PVC means PVC pipes and fittings are extensively available for multiple purposes.
PVC pipes’ relative ease of assembly makes them a popular piping material. Complex shapes and forms can be created by simply cutting, bending, and joining. Unlike other materials, PVC pipes don’t require special tools or extensive technical expertise, making them a cost-effective option for many projects. PVC pipes are also safe, non-toxic, lightweight, and easy to install.
Sustainable PVC Pipes for Sustainable Architecture
When used thoughtfully, PVC pipes can play a significant role in sustainable architecture. PVC pipes are particularly suited to sustainable initiatives for the following reasons.
Longevity
PVC pipes are largely non-reactive to chemicals. They resist hard water buildup, weathering, abrasion, chemical rotting, and corrosion. For these reasons, PVC pipes have a long service life expectancy, estimated to be approximately 100 years.
Since they last long, PVC pipes do not require frequent replacement, contributing to waste reduction.
Recyclability
PVC may be recycled multiple times. Scraps may also be collected at the point of manufacture and used to make more PVC products. There is also ongoing work to make PVC recycling more widespread and efficient.
Thermal Insulation
PVC pipes are a poor conductor of heat. Their thermal insulation properties may be used to enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
PVC Pipes in Innovative Designs
PVC pipes have many potential applications in architecture. Across the globe, architects and designers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with PVC pipes.
1. PVC Pipes Pavillion
Hoogte Twee Architecten from the Netherlands built a PVC pipes pavilion that demonstrates how PVC pipes can be used to create organic, visually striking structures. The designers arranged and stacked leftover PVC pipes of different lengths and sizes and made an activity area where guests, particularly children, could sit, chat and play.
2. Agricultural Storehouse
Atelier Maroo Architects used PVC pipes to design a farming machinery storehouse in Asan City, South Korea. The storehouse, which stored machines and vehicles that farmers in Asan could rent, had to be expanded. Ventilation also had to be improved, given the amount of exhaust fumes, gas and dust the machinery emitted and produced.
The solution was a new warehouse design with a PVC pipe façade. The blueprint called for PVC pipes of various dimensions, cut to up to 30cm long, stacked, and then grouped. Triangle-shaped PVC pipe clusters were then combined and used to fill the wall’s steel structure.
The resulting PVC-walled warehouse was astounding both in appearance and function. The PVC wall let natural light in and provided ample ventilation through which fumes could escape, but it rarely allowed rain to permeate the interior of the building.
Aesthetically, the PVC pipe wall meant a great view from the inside. The PVC pipe patterns also gave the farming storehouse a uniquely industrial look and vibe.
The project is also sustainable as it features recycled PVC pipes in the immediate area.
3. Affordable Housing Solution
In less-developed countries or places struck by calamity or crisis, PVC pipe structures can be used to build durable shelters quickly. The relatively low cost and easy transport of PVC materials make them an attractive option in areas with limited resources.
Examples of this application include the Kashaneh by Shahid Beheshti University’s Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning. A PVC house up to 4 feet long made of a PVC pipe frame and plastic sheeting has also been proposed in a $300 house challenge on Jovoto, a platform focused on solving creative challenges.
The SketchUp team also created a geodesic PVC plastic pipes dome using 150 pieces of 10-foot off-the-shelf PVC pipes, cut to length and bolted to fabricated PVC plastic hubs. The structure was proof positive that PVC pipes can be turned into a solid and portable dome shelter that one can build in one day (exclusive of the time the team needed to procure the materials and order the hubs).
Technological Advancements
Modern technology is opening up new opportunities for using PVC pipes in architecture. 3D printing technology allows for more complex designs, as hubs, connectors, and fittings may be designed and printed quickly. Rapid prototyping and construction are also possible, which can revolutionize how buildings are designed and constructed.
PVC Pipes in Architecture
While challenges remain, the potential for PVC pipes in sustainable and affordable architecture is vast. Imagine more PVC pipe pavilions and buildings with PVC walls, made more beautiful and durable with industrial paint, or affordable shelters made with frames of PVC pipes.
With continued innovation, technological advancements, and the careful consideration of environmental and health impacts, PVC pipes can pave the way for buildings and structures that are not only beautiful and innovative but also affordable and sustainable.
