# Surfboard Waste Blocks Surf Block Maui Turns Surfboard Foam Waste into Insulated Building Blocks By Amy Duong | Published 2025-07-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-block-maui References: [surfblockmaui](https://www.surfblockmaui.com/)  Surf Block Maui—an offshoot of Hawai‘i Off Grid Architecture, upcycles [foam scraps from local surfboard shapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proflex-technology) into insulated composite concrete form (ICCF) blocks. Made of about 85% [recycled EPS foam bonded with cement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/know-new-plastic), these modular blocks require one-third less concrete than traditional cinder blocks and offer double the insulation performance. They’re [fire-resistant, termite-proof, mold-resistant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/struvite), and four times stronger than wooden walls in hurricanes. Founder David Sellers discovered untapped potential when he observed dumpsters filled with polystyrene foam from surfboard manufacturers. His team secured a grant, developed pilot blocks, and is now constructing resilient, low-carbon homes—including one nearing completion in Olowalu. With local supply and low embodied carbon, Surf Blocks directly address both environmental waste and construction needs. Image Credit: Surf Block Maui ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Construction Materials:** The innovation of transforming surfboard foam waste into building materials emphasizes the shift toward eco-friendly construction solutions. - **Circular Economy Practices:** Utilizing local waste products for new applications showcases the growing trend of circular economy practices in reducing environmental impact. - **Resilient Building Solutions:** The development of durable, insulated building blocks reflects the emphasis on constructing resilient homes that withstand extreme weather events. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Green Building:** The advancement of recycled materials in construction highlights opportunities for the green building industry to innovate sustainable practices. - **Waste Management:** Repurposing foam waste from surfboards into building materials reveals potential for the waste management industry to integrate novel recycling methods. - **Disaster-resilient Housing:** The creation of robust, insulated composite blocks presents significant advances in the disaster-resilient housing sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaex-building-systems-inc.md) - [Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradoxal-surfboards.md) - [Styrofoam Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trashy.md) - [Sustainable Soundproofing Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-soundproofing.md) - [3D-Printed Surf Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waco-surf.md) - [Low-Carbon Biomaterial Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cob-brick.md) - [Coastal Concrete Building Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/econcrete.md) - [Bio-Based 3d Building Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corncretl.md) - [Recycled Plastic Home Cladding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-blue-house.md)