In this semester’s design, I also considered how to be environmentally friendly regarding building materials. This blog gave me new ideas.
I have always been interested in biological materials and have learned about the application of architectural biomimicry in environmental protection. The bio-architectural surface has always been a hot topic in research. Before reading the article, it was hard to imagine that mushrooms (fungi), which we usually eat as food, could be used on building surfaces. However, using wood as a building material can effectively absorb carbon dioxide in the environment[1]. But the material in this paper seems to save many carbon emissions when it is produced. From my point of view, architecture should not be in a static state but should be growing and changing. Growing buildings can respond to different activities or environmental challenges[2]. The final building in the article opened my eyes to the possibility of developing buildings.
But I think there may still be some problems with this fungal material technology. We all know fungi and other plants grow in places with sufficient water[3]. I am curious about the scene where this material is used in a dry environment. I want to know whether this material will perform well in a hot climate. The second question is the structural strength of related materials. Although we all know that concrete will bring many carbon emissions, we still need it for the construction of houses because of its super high strength[4]. Whether the material in this paper has a solid structural ability to replace concrete is the key to its ability to replace concrete.
When looking at related cases before, I saw that a design-led by bionics could be combined with this material. The project(Elytra Filament Pavilion) simulates the internal structure of a plant to achieve the stability of the structure[4]. I suggest using the bionic design of this project as the skeleton and filling the inside of the skeleton with the materials mentioned in the article to ensure strength on the one hand and to be more environmentally friendly. I can share it with you if you are interested.
Reference:
[1]Austin Himes, Gwen Busby, Wood buildings as a climate solution, Developments in the Built Environment, Volume 4,2020,100030, ISSN 2666-1659,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100030.
[2]Adapting Buildings.(n.d.).Climatejust.https://www.climatejust.org.uk/messages/adapting-buildings
[3]Holewinski, B. (n.d.). Underground Networking: The Amazing Connections Beneath Your Feet. Nationalforests Foundtion. https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network
[4] Elytra Filament Pavilion / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart Save. (2017, March 7). Arch Daily. https://www.archdaily.com/806242/elytra-filament-pavilion-icd-itke-university-of-stuttgart
In this semester’s design, I also considered how to be environmentally friendly regarding building materials. This blog gave me new ideas.
I have always been interested in biological materials and have learned about the application of architectural biomimicry in environmental protection. The bio-architectural surface has always been a hot topic in research. Before reading the article, it was hard to imagine that mushrooms (fungi), which we usually eat as food, could be used on building surfaces. However, using wood as a building material can effectively absorb carbon dioxide in the environment[1]. But the material in this paper seems to save many carbon emissions when it is produced. From my point of view, architecture should not be in a static state but should be growing and changing. Growing buildings can respond to different activities or environmental challenges[2]. The final building in the article opened my eyes to the possibility of developing buildings.
But I think there may still be some problems with this fungal material technology. We all know fungi and other plants grow in places with sufficient water[3]. I am curious about the scene where this material is used in a dry environment. I want to know whether this material will perform well in a hot climate. The second question is the structural strength of related materials. Although we all know that concrete will bring many carbon emissions, we still need it for the construction of houses because of its super high strength[4]. Whether the material in this paper has a solid structural ability to replace concrete is the key to its ability to replace concrete.
When looking at related cases before, I saw that a design-led by bionics could be combined with this material. The project(Elytra Filament Pavilion) simulates the internal structure of a plant to achieve the stability of the structure[4]. I suggest using the bionic design of this project as the skeleton and filling the inside of the skeleton with the materials mentioned in the article to ensure strength on the one hand and to be more environmentally friendly. I can share it with you if you are interested.
Reference:
[1]Austin Himes, Gwen Busby, Wood buildings as a climate solution, Developments in the Built Environment, Volume 4,2020,100030, ISSN 2666-1659,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100030.
[2]Adapting Buildings.(n.d.).Climatejust.https://www.climatejust.org.uk/messages/adapting-buildings
[3]Holewinski, B. (n.d.). Underground Networking: The Amazing Connections Beneath Your Feet. Nationalforests Foundtion. https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network
[4] Elytra Filament Pavilion / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart Save. (2017, March 7). Arch Daily. https://www.archdaily.com/806242/elytra-filament-pavilion-icd-itke-university-of-stuttgart
From your blog I remember one material Hempcrete which is also called as hemp concrete. It is also a sustainable building material made from the woody core fibers of the hemp plant, lime-based binder, and water. It is a non-toxic, lightweight, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete and bricks.
Hempcrete is a sustainable building material due to its renewable and low-carbon nature. This material is excellent in proving thermal insulation and soundproofing. It also has high thermal inertia.
It is a breathable material that allows moisture to pass through easily and regulates moisture levels inside the buildings. Due to its lightweight quality, it is easy to handle, flexible and has good workability during construction. It can be easily poured or formed into walls and floors.
Hemp crops are carbon-negative crops because they absorb carbon dioxide during growth and hempcrete sequesters carbon dioxide within the material, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
Mobius House designed by Antony Gibbons Design is entirely made out of hempcrete blocks reinforced with concrete with a minimalist futurist look.
References-
Yourhome.gov.au. (2016). Hemp masonry | YourHome. [online] Available at: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/materials/hemp-masonry#:~:text=Hemp%20masonry%20(also%20known%20as.
Anon, (2021). 5 Projects Using Hempcrete as an Environmental Building Material. [online] Available at: https://www.arch2o.com/5-projects-using-hempcrete-environmental-material/.