Cement slabs – history, craftsmanship, future

The invention of the „Cement-Platte“ in 1844 marked the beginning of the history of an extraordinary building material that spread across Europe within a few decades. The lecture takes us to the former centres of this craft tradition and, using preserved roofs and floors as examples, demonstrates the almost unbelievable longevity of handmade cement slabs.

Yet the story does not end with industrialisation. It also tells of how the almost lost craft of the slab-maker can be revived, re-established internationally and carried into the future.

Particularly in the face of climate change, resource scarcity and the search for truly sustainable building materials, it becomes clear just how relevant this ancient craft is once again today: regional, resource-efficient, durable, repairable and affordable. What long stood in the shadow of industrial products is now experiencing a renaissance – and could become a building material of the future.