Technological watch

Embracing The Use Of Bioplastics In Home Construction And Design - Bio-based News -



As far back as 2018, architectural firms were already surprising the industry with bioplastics-centered projects, including a full-sized, 3D printed, 700m² canal home in Amsterdam made entirely from bioplastics.

As far back as 2018, architectural firms were already surprising the industry with bioplastics-centered projects, including a full-sized, 3D printed, 700m² canal home in Amsterdam made entirely from bioplastics. Indeed, bioplastics are touted as the future of 3D printing, although they are also being used in an array of projects employing other technologies. The growing popularity of this material can be attributed to various factors – including its significantly smaller carbon footprint, the ease with which it can be transported, and its ability to be reused for other projects. Read on to discover just a few ways in which bioplastics are being used to create beautiful, sustainable homes and interiors.

Bioplastic FlooringDutch company, Aectual, has shown how 3D-printed bioplastics can be used to create sustainable, customizable flooring solutions that can work towards “building a more resilient future.” Their ‘Pattern Terrazzo’ floors combine 3D printed patterns with a bio-based terrazzo infill, which offers designers a wide array of patterns and designs through which to integrate storytelling into their work. Designers can consult with clients beforehand, then upload a digital sketch or use the company’s existing pattern library. The wide array of patterns, colors and effects make this type of flooring ideal for those who enjoy a high level of artistry in details such as flooring, stairways and walls.

Bioplastic Shade StructuresFor a look at how futuristic and unique repurposed plastic can be, check out the EU building designed by DUS Architects, which contains in-built shaded outdoor seating areas made entirely from bioplastics. The bioplastic material seemingly ‘drapes’ the entire building in a white cloth, which contains ‘folds’ that shade various spots in the building from the hot sun. Because bioplastics can be freely shaped into different shapes and structures, it can be used to protect residents from UV rays while allowing the sun’s rays to make their way into parts of the home that need warming. They can form part of a family’s energy saving strategy at home, which can also include choosing energy efficient materials and products. They work well alongside technologies such as smart heating and cooling, the use of LED lighting, and the use of energy-smart habits for daily home tasks. The total life cycle energy requirements for bioplastics are less than those of petroleum-based plastics, which makes them a good choice for eco warriors from the moment of purchase.

Bioplastics For Interior Décor And Everyday ItemsBuilding a sustainable home encompasses far more than using environmentally friendly materials for structures and interiors. It also extends to the little details that make home life more aesthetically pleasing – including decorative and practical items such as pots, sculptures, and even drinking glasses. To see how colorful and original compostable bioplastics can be, check out the work of designers like Shellworks, Emma Sicher, or Margarita Talep. Sicher’s, for instance, experiments with a host of fruits and vegetables like apples, beetroot and grapes to create a bevy of colors and textures for items such as trays, food packaging, and platters.

Bioplastics are touted as a material for the future, but they are already being used in clever ways in home construction and design. From beautiful multi-colored facades to shaded areas in buildings, bioplastics are forming part of original designs that catch the eye and ensure that home and urban dwellers reduce their carbon footprint. Within a home, they can form part of a sustainability strategy that extends to all aspects of life.

Source: Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2021-05-21.
Author: Cindy McCann

Publication date: 02/06/2021

Bio-based News



      

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761.