Biomimetics and Circular Economy in Construction

Introduction to Biomimetics and Sustainable Construction

  • Presentation by Ehab Sayed, founder and director of innovation at Biohm.

  • Focus on how nature can inspire changes in the built environment, aiming for a biomimetic future.

Reflection on Humanity's Impact on Earth

  • Invites audience to envision themselves as an omnipresent observer of humanity over the last 60 years.

  • Questions posed regarding the perception of humanity:

    • Are humans a transcendent species?

    • Have we evolved significantly or are we willfully ignorant of our impact?

    • Do we see compassion and empathy or greed and destruction?

    • Have we exhausted Earth’s resources and caused significant environmental damage?

    • Is there hope for cooperation with nature?

Concept of Biomimetics

  • Definition of Biomimetics:

    • Not merely imitation of natural forms, but an abstraction of biological systems and processes to create solutions.

  • Example given: The Gherkin building in London, featuring a ventilation system inspired by coral structures, highlighting the efficiency of biological design.

  • Shift from technology to biology in problem-solving leads to:

    • Using less energy and materials

    • Dependence on data and systems thinking

Systems Thinking and Circular Economy

  • Explanation of systems thinking:

    • Viewing the world as composed of various systems with inputs and outputs.

  • Definition of Circular Economy:

    • A model contrasting the linear economy, focusing on reusing, recycling, and ethically sourcing materials rather than a take-make-dispose model.

  • Characteristics of a Circular Economy:

    • Minimizing environmental impact

    • Designing products for deconstruction and reusability

    • Enhancing the lifetime and value of materials throughout their lifecycle

Biohm’s Innovations

ORB - Organic Refuse Bio-Compound

  • Overview: A bio-based binder developed to work with food and agricultural waste to create sustainable materials.

  • Applications:

    • Molded into complex shapes or sheets, achieving diverse aesthetics based on the type of waste used (e.g., orange peels, hemp, sugarcane).

  • Development into plant-based concrete incorporating more agricultural waste, achieving durability comparable to traditional concrete.

Mycelium-based Products

  • Definition of Mycelium: The vegetative part of a mushroom, creating networks in soil and facilitating plant communication in ecosystems.

  • Process: Mycelium is cultivated with a substrate (waste material) to produce a biodegradable material.

  • Mycelium Insulation:

    • Characteristics: Excellent insulation properties, fire-resistant without additives.

    • Performance: Surpassing traditional insulation standards and being cost-competitive.

Triagomy Construction System

  • Description: A system designed for natural materials lacking load-bearing capacity. Inspired by carbon molecular structure.

    • Features: Allows for modular, flexible building designs without permanent fasteners.

  • Future Plans: Scheduled launch in around two years.

Circular Business Model

  • Strategy for sourcing materials:

    • Collect resources for free or receive payments for waste collection, thereby shrinking manufacturing costs.

  • Construction and monitoring practices that ensure sustainability and efficiency.

  • Servitization of property:

    • Low upfront costs for homes (ranging from £20,000 to £60,000) with subscription services covering maintenance and reconfiguration.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

  • Importance of building networks: Collaboration with governments, academia, and large corporations to implement models effectively.

  • Future development:

    • Testing partnerships with different international markets (interest noted in France, Portugal, Germany).

  • Engaging community through talks and events to raise awareness and prepare the industry for changes in manufacturing and construction.

Closing Thoughts

  • Importance of acting during the climate crisis to ensure well-being, not merely as shelter but as contributors to human health and wellness.

  • Urges a shift towards solutions that enhance environmental impacts and health outcomes.

Audience Interaction

Q&A Segment

Questions about Implementation

  • Audience inquiry regarding the reasons for not widespread adoption of such initiatives.

    • Response: Challenges include industry relationships, scalability, and making technologies commercially viable through new business models.

Questions Regarding Market Expansion and Material Properties

  • Discussion of potential for expansion beyond the UK market, responsiveness to properties such as moisture resistance for external applications.

  • Emphasis on continual adaptation and development to meet architects' and consumers' needs.

Waste Stream Solutions

  • Audience question about how increased waste value influences incentive structures for waste separation.

    • Biohm's reply on partnership strategies to ensure circularity and minimize risks in waste management.

Summary of Key Takeaways

  • The need for innovative, sustainable construction materials and practices that are biocentric and equitable.

  • Recognition that the health of the environment is directly linked to the health of humanity.