Material Calendar 2017 GXN - Green Innovation in Architecture
“GXN is dedicated to ecological design research through digital processes and innovative material solutions. We are inspired by the functionalties and form of nature and we want to investigate how these can influence architecture� Kasper Guldager Jensen Director GXN, Partner 3XN
GXN
Green Innovation in Architecture GXN was established in 2007 as an internal division of Danish architectural practice 3XN, and has since day one been working with applied architectural research in green materials and building technologies. The ‘G’ stands for Green, highlighting a dedication to ecological design research through, environmental strategies and innovative material solutions. Our vision is to create architecture and design that contribute to the development of a building culture that positively affect the world we live in - both architecturally and environmentally. A special thank you to photographer Claus Troelsgaard for the beautiful and artistic photos. Green regards from the GXN Team of 2017
GXN PARTNERS
GXN TEAM
Kasper Guldager Jensen
Lasse Lind
Morten Norman Lund
Kenn Clausen
Casper Østergaard
Jeanette Hansen
Mille Sylvest
Rasmus Skov
Dagmara Piszcz
Jo Anna Nedergaard
Kim Herforth Nielsen
Natalia Kowalska
Allison Jang
Aleksander Guldager
Kasra Karimi
Jan Ammundsen
Kåre Stokholm Poulsgaard
Matteo Grometto
Sean Lyon
Publisher GXN A/S Editorial Kasper Guldager Jensen Morten Norman Lund Lasse Lind Peter Villemoes Design Kasper Guldager Jensen Peter Villemoes Lene Borre Christensen Photography Claus Troelsgaard Print Price 30 Euro
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Bendy Wood T
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This material is a solid hardwood that can be bent in ways that seems impossible. In the process, blanks of hardwood are teamed to soften the cell walls, then, still damp, they are compressed along their length for about 20 % and finally dried
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bendable by hand, larger with the help of tools far easier and
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faster than conventional techniques.
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in this compressed form. This allows the wood to be bent as much as to a radius of 10 times its thickness. Thin sections are
www.bendywood.com
February M
Curved Gypsum T
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Gypsum is an almost infinite natural resource, continually replenished in nature. As well as being a renewable resource, gypsum can be recycled practically indefinitely. Gypsum has a number natural properties which makes it ideal as building material in many ways. It is very environmentally responsible and durable. It has excellent sound absorption and -diffusion. Curved gypsum is made of robust, glass fibre reinforced gypsum and can be used on walls as well as ceilings. www.knauf.com
March M
Directing Light T
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This technology makes it possible to direct or disperse light while avoiding glare effects. Acrylics, poly-carbonate and other transparent materials, are embossed with cone-shaped prisms that direct the light. The technology is optimized by numerical algorithms and enables architects to utilize light to suit specific spatial needs. Jungbecker Optics produce a wide range of products offering accurate lighting control. www.jungbecker.de
April
Natural Bamboo M
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For centuries bamboo has been an inexhaustible resource in Asia. Bamboo is a miracle plant by all accounts. Its many uses include erosion control, watershed protection, soil remediation,
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as a much sought after timber for industrial applications and
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environmental enhancement.
and environmental greening. Bamboo is the fastest growing timber plant on earth, and can grow higher in vertical meters that traditional forestry. Bamboo has in recent years emerged
www.bambooxl.nl
May
Flexible Carbon Tubes M
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This composite material is derived from a flexible technique used to mould fibre reinforced plastic tubes. The construction method allows the realisation of strong double-curved spline structures of various sizes and functions but without any need of costly moulding procedures. In their flexible stage, the tubes can be easily free-formed. In their second stage, after the tubes have been hardened with resin, they can be used for structural purposes. Natural fibres can also be used. www.splinetex.at
June
Alu Foam M
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Using
post-industrial
aluminium,
Alusion
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incombustible, non-toxic, sound- and crash absorbing and heat resistant panels. The lightweight stabilized aluminium foam of the core is produced by introducing gas bubbles into a melt of metal matrix composite, in which hard ceramic particles stabilize the bubbles and ensure that the material retains its final shape. Alu foam has a great aestetic, and high bending strength at comparatively low weight. www.alusion.com
July
Mycelium Boards M
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In this material filamentous fungi is used to bond seed husks, like cotton burrs and buckwheat hulls. Ecovative insulation is literally grown. The result is a biodegradable material, which is
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the fabrication does not require any significant heat, light or
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petroleum. It grows in the dark.
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free from any hazardous chemical compounds. Greensulate is stronger than many synthetic types of foam, making it ideal for structural insulation panels. Manufacturing costs are low since
www.ecovative.com
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Engineered Wood T
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Cross laminated timber is a modern, sustainable building material that can replace energy consuming concrete. Made as prefabricated, solid elements that act as both thermal insulation and as part of the buildings structure the elements have good acoustic properties combined with good fire performance. The manufacturing process insures uniform lamination and guarantees the specified characteristics in terms of safety, performance and reliability. www.binderholz.com
September M
Recyclable Carpet T
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Desso EcoBase is a fully sustainable carpet tile backing. It is 100% PVC-free, contains recycled content, and enabled Desso to achieve a Cradle to Cradle silver certificate for an entire carpet product. Desso offers clients a take back programme to ensure that products will be recycled according to Cradle to Cradle principles. Products will be taken back after their useful life, and will be safely recycled into new carpet products, or used in other recycling initiatives. www.desso.com
October M
Translucent Fibers T
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A composite is a material where two (or more) materials combined obtains constructive qualities that none of them had by themselves. Fiberline produces fibre-reinforced polymers
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meet specific demands for strength, resistance, translucency
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and insulation properties.
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(FRP) from glass fibres and a polyester resin to create a translucent high-strength, and lightweight components. The profiles and properties of the composite may be customised to
www.fiberline.dk
November M
Regenerative Cork T
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Cork consists of a honeycomb of microscopic cells, filled with an air-like gas. This makes it very light, compressible , impermeable to liquids and gases, an insulator against moisture and noise, and resilient. It has an elastic memory which enables it to adapt to variations in temperature and pressure. It is resistant to fire, and abrasion. It is one of the most versatile materials available. Furthermore it is completely natural, biodegradable, regenerative and recyclable. www.amorim.com
December M
Natural Fiber Fabric T
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Bio-textiles can be used as natural fibre reinforcements in biocomposite materials. The shown fabric is based on flax fibers but could also derrive from hemp, coconut or others. Components
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The cover of this calendar is raw unprocessed flax, which can be
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made into the textile you see on this page.
can be made from the fabrics using conventional moulding techniques. Bio-textiles and biocomposites are made from renewable materials and are in some cases fully biodegradable.
www.libeco.com