Bio-based materials
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about bio-based materials
Project • By FAU Mackenzie - Estruturas Leves em Bambu • Pavilions
Bosque Pavilion
The 16-week experimental studio “Lightweight Bamboo Structures: From Concept to Site” was conceived to integrate bamboo construction into architectural and civil engineering education by engaging students in a complete design–test–build process. Through the development of a full-scale pavilion, the studio aimed to immerse future professionals in the material’s structural challenges, positioning bamboo as a teachable structural system within the university setting.
Rafael Schimidt
Rafael Schimidt
Rafael Schimidt
In early planning discussions, faculty agreed that the studio would also explore the material’s potential role in composite or hybrid systems. One of the key challenges in bamboo co... More
Project • By Zwarthout l Shou Sugi Ban • Parks
limburgHUIS in GaiaZOO
A special animal collection deserves a building with an equally thoughtful material identity. For LimburgHUIS at GaiaZOO, the starting point was clear: the use of natural materials and a design approach with minimal environmental impact.
Caption
Located within the green surroundings of the zoo, the building combines local character with a strong architectural expression. The base is constructed from Kunraderstone, a natural stone from the province of Limburg. Above this grounded foundation, Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was used to create a dark, tactile and distinctive upper volume.
Caption
For the main façade, Naoshima by Zwarthout | Shou Sugi Ban was selected. The charred wood gives the building a powerful black appearance... More
News • Innovations • 29 May 2024
Innovative Hybrid Flax Pavilion demonstrates use of CLT and flax fiber as alternative to conventional building techniques
The Hybrid Flax Pavilion demonstrates the application of an innovative wood and natural fiber hybrid construction system as an alternative to conventional building techniques. Developed by the Cluster of Excellence “Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture” (IntCDC) at the University of Stuttgart, the pavilion was designed as a central exhibition space for the 2024 Landesgartenschau horticultural show on the banks of the Argen River in Wangen im Allgäu, Germany.
ICD/ITKE/IntCDC University of Stuttgart
ICD/ITKE/IntCDC University of Stuttgart
The hybrid system combines cross-laminated timber (CLT) and robotically wound flax fiber to craft a resource-efficient building made from reg... More
News • Innovations • 25 Oct 2023
Hempcrete block installation highlights the potential of bio-based materials in construction
In September 2023, Casa da Arquitectura – Centro Português de Arquitectura (Portuguese Centre for Architecture) in Porto hosted the second edition of “Build - From High to Low Tech”. This international conference aims to challenge prevailing perspectives and thinking around the use of materials and technology in architecture. Its remit is based on the World Green Building Council’s assertion that “buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions.”
Park Associati
During the Build conference, Milan-based architecture, interior design, and urban planning studio Park Associati organized a two-day “Hempcrete Workshop” in collaboration with Natura... More