A future with bio-based building materials
Clay, straw, eelgrass and seaweed. These are some of the bio-based materials that – in addition to the increasing use of wood – can be considered when developers and consultants plan buildings of the future. It can be a good idea to consider alternative materials for the sake of both the environment and users.
Read about a bio-based building system in the article here. You'll also discover Danish and German buildings where the bio-based materials in combination with Troldtekt cement-bonded wood wool contribute to a good indoor climate.
Good insulation, better indoor climate and local production. There are many benefits associated with bio-based building materials, which are slowly gaining ground as alternatives to classic bricks, for example.
In Feldballe, Djursland (Denmark), the local independent school's physics, chemistry and natural sciences classroom is built using carefully selected materials produced with consideration for both the environment and people. This is especially due to the collaboration between the school, Henning Larsen Architects and EcoCocon Denmark.
" With our building system, which we have used for the extension at Feldballe Friskole, we can help construct buildings made from renewable, annual agricultural residues. Materials that last for generations," says Lars Keller, Executive Director of EcoCocon Denmark, before continuing:
" We find that there is still a lack of knowledge in many parts of the industry where the benefits of bio-based building materials are not recognised or their potential is not understood " despite the obvious benefits of materials such as straw."
Stable and breathable school structure
At Feldballe Friskole, it is especially the bio-based straw elements from EcoCocon Danmark and the interior fine clay plaster cladding that ensure that the extension is geared towards teaching throughout the day – even during the last modules, when classroom air can otherwise be stale.
Despite good insulation, the structure is permeable and does not emit harmful gases. This is partly due to the Cradle to Cradle Certified® straw elements as well as the clay finish.
" Bio-based building materials naturally have many climate benefits that are very important in this industry, but it’s also very much about the user benefits. When it comes to children and education, it is important that the indoor climate is stable and that temperatures and humidity levels do not get out of control " and bio-based materials can help do that."
In addition to the straw elements, another Cradle to Cradle certified material – Troldtekt acoustic panels – ensures good acoustics and a great sense of calm in the room. The wood-based acoustic ceiling surfaces also harmonise with walls, plinths and window sills, unifying the room. Troldtekt has also been awarded the Danish Indoor Climate Labelling certification (under the Danish Technological Institute) in the best categories for degassing and particle emissions.
Europe’s largest office building is made of clay
While Danish schools uses straw elements, in Germany they look more towards the ground. Here, the architectural firm haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050 clad the headquarters of organic food retailer 'Alnatura' in Darmstadt with an exterior clay facade. At 13,500 square metres, this is Europe’s largest office building with this type of facade – and the first office building in the world to have geothermal wall heating installed. A ground channel also ensures that climate-controlled air is supplied from the neighbouring forest.
Inside, daylight streams in through large windows, while stairs and walkways create connecting paths and emphasise the open and generously designed character of the building. Troldtekt acoustic panels are installed in the ceiling, which not only harmonise the building’s natural look, but also contribute to a healthy indoor climate and effective fire protection.
The building has achieved DGNB Platinum certification and received the German Sustainability Award.
Read more about Alnatura Arbeitswelt
Martin Haas, professor, founder and partner of haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050, was a speaker at the Danish Biobased Building Materials conference in August 2024. Several of the conference’s presentations focused on compressed clay earth as a possible alternative to concrete in future buildings.
Straw ensures an improved indoor climate in a German daycare institution
Further north-east – in Seddin near Berlin – the architectural firm werk An architektur has also looked at alternative building materials. This is where the Kita Seepferdchen daycare institution is located. With its idyllic location between the forest and water, it is a paradise for the little ones – even when they are indoors.
In 2019, the daycare institution was expanded in the form of an innovative garden bungalow extension with locally produced straw as its primary insulation material, thus contributing to a balanced indoor climate all year round.
In addition, the Troldtekt acoustic panels on the sloping ceiling not only contribute to an aesthetically pleasing experience in the building’s interior, but also to regulating the sound of play, thereby creating a pleasant atmosphere for both children and educators.
