The Future of Architecture: Bioresources and Biocomposites Utilising Fabrication Revolution for Innovation and Sustainability in the Building Industry

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 1472

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. BioMat@Copenhagen: Bio-Based Materials and Materials Cycles in the Building Industry Research Centre-TECH-Technical Faculty for IT & Design, Planning Department, Aalborg University, Meyersvænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark
2. BioMat GmbH: Sustainable Design & Building Technology Services, Nobelstraße 15, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
3. BioMat@Stuttgart: Bio-Based Materials and Materials Cycles in Architecture, Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE), University of Stuttgart, Keplerstr. 11, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
4. Department of Architecture (FEDA), Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11517, Egypt
Interests: sustainable architecture; biomaterials; architecture inspired by nature; biocomposites; biomimetics; sustainability; smart materials; ecologic building systems; product design; robotic and digital fabrication techniques; bio-intelligence; vertical farming; 3D printing; additive manufacturing; tailored fibre placement; bioeconomy; circular economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the face of drained resources and environmental concerns within the building industry, the integration of non-conventional bioresources and the utilization of revolutionary contemporary fabrication techniques emerge as vital solutions in pursuit of sustainability. Currently, industrial and digital fabrication revolutions are in progress worldwide, incorporating bio-based materials and innovative fabrication techniques that not only address resource scarcity but also align with a global commitment to greener practices. This continued collaboration not only fosters sustainable development but also positions the building industry as a key player in the broader movement toward a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to explore the recent challenges and developments of the application of bioresources and diverse fabrication techniques’ in future architectural projects. Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Biocomposites’ applications in the building industry;
  • Applying additive manufacturing technologies utilising bioresources;
  • Smart and adaptive architecture using biomass;
  • Integrating eco-friendly materials with digital fabrication technologies, revolutionizing construction methods;
  • The structural integrity of non-conventional resources in the building industry;
  • Experimental or real-world practices of applying biomass in revolutionary contexts for innovative future architectural projects.

Prof. Dr. Hanaa Dahy
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • biocomposites
  • natural fibres
  • growing materials
  • sustainability
  • additive manufacturing
  • fabrication
  • sustainable architecture
  • adaptivity
  • innovation
  • biomass
  • bioresources

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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22 pages, 12753 KiB  
Article
Tensegrity FlaxSeat: Exploring the Application of Unidirectional Natural Fiber Biocomposite Profiles in a Tensegrity Configuration as a Concept for Architectural Applications
by Markus Renner, Evgenia Spyridonos and Hanaa Dahy
Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082490 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Material selection is crucial for advancing sustainability in the building sector. While composites have become popular, biocomposites play a pivotal role in raising awareness of materials deriving from biomass resources. This study presents a new linear biocomposite profile, fabricated using pultrusion technology, a [...] Read more.
Material selection is crucial for advancing sustainability in the building sector. While composites have become popular, biocomposites play a pivotal role in raising awareness of materials deriving from biomass resources. This study presents a new linear biocomposite profile, fabricated using pultrusion technology, a continuous process for producing endless fiber-reinforced composites with consistent cross-sections. The developed profiles are made from flax fibers and a plant-based resin. This paper focuses on the application of these profiles in tensegrity systems, which combine compression and tension elements to achieve equilibrium. In this study, the biocomposite profiles were used as compression elements, leveraging their properties. The methods include geometrical development using physical and digital models to optimize the geometry based on material properties and dimensions. A parametric algorithm including physics simulations was developed for this purpose. Further investigations explore material options for tension members and connections, as well as assembly processes. The results include several prototypes on different scales. Initially, the basic tensegrity principle was built and explored. The lessons learned were applied in a final prototype of 1.5 m on a furniture scale, specifically a chair, integrating a hanging membrane serving as a seat. This structure validates the developed system, proving the feasibility of employing biocomposite profiles in tensegrity configurations. Furthermore, considerations for scaling up the systems to an architectural level are discussed, highlighting the potential to enhance sustainability through the use of renewable and eco-friendly building materials, while promoting tensegrity design applications. Full article
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