The material in question is called graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon. At just one atom thick, graphene has so far proven to be inoperable as a building material, even though it's the strongest material we know about. But the team of MIT invented a process that could change that. Using heat and pressure, they were able to create 3D geometries that proved to be ten times stronger than steel, but 5% less dense.

According to the researchers behind the projects, the move from 2D to 3D is similar to rolling up a piece of paper, in the process creating a tube, which is a strong architectural form. Apparently, the material has other possible benefits for architecture. For example, because graphene is porous, it could act as a filter for water and air. And its strength could make buildings more resilient to extreme weather patterns.

At the moment, graphene is too expensive to be readily adapted to building purposes. But the 3D geometry invented by the MIT team could be used with materials like cellulose or silk that could be similarly strong.

Interested in other new architectural materials and engineering tech? Check out these links:

• Sustainable slate tiles dress this Danish family’s energy-efficient “Future House”
• 'Matters of Scale' with Bill Zahner, head of the engineering-design consultancy behind the Petersen Automotive Museum's redesign
• Science Nonfiction: bringing emerging technologies into the UK's architecture education
• The logistics of building NASA's carbon-dioxide insulated, "Ice Home" on Mars
• Researchers discover 'glue' that makes plant cell walls strong — foreseeing brighter future for wooden skyscrapers