Two sisters from Gaza have been awarded a prestigious international prize for a process that converts building rubble into reusable bricks. The innovation, developed in response to the widespread destruction caused by Israeli military operations, represents a significant advance in sustainable construction in conflict zones. The prize was announced on Wednesday by the London-based Institution of Structural Engineers, which recognised the sisters’ work as an example of resilience and resourcefulness.
The process involves crushing concrete and masonry waste and mixing it with a binding agent to form bricks comparable in strength to traditional materials. The sisters, who studied engineering at the Islamic University of Gaza, said the idea came from the need to address the chronic shortage of construction materials caused by the blockade. The institution’s citation praised the project for turning a symbol of destruction into a tool for reconstruction.
The award carries a monetary prize of £50,000, which the sisters said they would reinvest in expanding production. The development comes amid a fragile ceasefire and as international donors consider funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. Experts say the technology could be replicated in other conflict regions.
The sisters have filed a patent for their process and are in talks with humanitarian organisations about scaling up operations.
