Research Article

Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing

Volume: 11 Number: 2 December 30, 2025
TR EN

Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the energy performance of innovative plastic bricks compared to traditional masonry in Istanbul’s mild-humid climate. Using 20 years of meteorological data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, energy simulations were conducted with DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus on a U-shaped building typology, identified as the most energy-efficient form for the region. Seventeen plastic brick formulations, sourced from peer-reviewed studies, were analyzed for thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, density, moisture resistance, and fire resistance, and benchmarked against Turkish hollow clay and conventional burned bricks. Results show that several plastic bricks significantly outperform traditional bricks, with Brick 15 composed of recycled PET and sand achieving the highest energy savings of 13.89%, driven by a 26.24% reduction in heating load and only a marginal rise in cooling demand. Its superior performance reflects an optimal balance of low thermal conductivity, moderate density, and high specific heat capacity. Additionally, eight other plastic bricks demonstrated notable efficiency gains, highlighting the role of recycled thermoplastics and stabilizers such as fly ash and quarry dust in enhancing thermal inertia and indoor comfort. The study challenges the reliance on clay bricks in Turkish residential construction by evidencing their higher energy demand and poorer thermal performance. It underscores the potential of engineered plastic composites to meet modern energy standards, especially in low- and middle-income housing where insulation is limited. Integrating rigorous climate data, advanced material science, and dynamic simulation, this research provides a scalable framework for adopting eco-friendly plastic bricks, offering valuable insights for architects, engineers, and policymakers seeking to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in temperate climates.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Architectural Design, Materials and Technology in Architecture, Sustainable Architecture

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 30, 2025

Submission Date

November 26, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 11 Number: 2

APA
Odemakin, M., Yardımlı, S., & Safarkhani, M. (2025). Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing. A+Arch Design International Journal of Architecture and Design, 11(2), 127-147. https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD
AMA
1.Odemakin M, Yardımlı S, Safarkhani M. Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing. ARCH. 2025;11(2):127-147. https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD
Chicago
Odemakin, Modupe, Seyhan Yardımlı, and Melody Safarkhani. 2025. “Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing”. A+Arch Design International Journal of Architecture and Design 11 (2): 127-47. https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD.
EndNote
Odemakin M, Yardımlı S, Safarkhani M (December 1, 2025) Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing. A+Arch Design International Journal of Architecture and Design 11 2 127–147.
IEEE
[1]M. Odemakin, S. Yardımlı, and M. Safarkhani, “Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing”, ARCH, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 127–147, Dec. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD
ISNAD
Odemakin, Modupe - Yardımlı, Seyhan - Safarkhani, Melody. “Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing”. A+Arch Design International Journal of Architecture and Design 11/2 (December 1, 2025): 127-147. https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD.
JAMA
1.Odemakin M, Yardımlı S, Safarkhani M. Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing. ARCH. 2025;11:127–147.
MLA
Odemakin, Modupe, et al. “Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing”. A+Arch Design International Journal of Architecture and Design, vol. 11, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 127-4, https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD.
Vancouver
1.Modupe Odemakin, Seyhan Yardımlı, Melody Safarkhani. Comparative Thermal Performance of Recycled Plastic Bricks: A Property-Based Analysis for Energy-Efficient Housing. ARCH [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 1;11(2):127-4. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA62EN38AD


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