Material Calendar 2014 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 Jørgensen 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 2013
3XN partners
GXN team
Kasper Guldager Jørgensen
Tore Banke
Lasse Lind
Morten Norman Lund
Mille Sylvest
Bo Boje Larsen
Steffan Riegas
Martin Malthe Borch
Zunheng Lai
Monica Wiecek
Kim Herforth Nielsen
Hali Larsen
Peter Villemoes
Silvia Funieru
Nicolai Arensbach
Jan Ammundsen
Liv Grete Framgård
Publisher GXN A/S Editorial Kasper Guldager Jørgensen Morten Norman Lund Lasse Lind Peter Villemoes Design Kasper Guldager Jørgensen Peter Villemoes Lene Borre Christensen Photography Claus Troelsgaard Print Price 30 Euro
January M
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 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 bendable by hand, larger with the help of tools far easier and faster than conventional techniques. 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, 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 as a much sought after timber for industrial applications and environmental enhancement. 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 fibers can also be used. www.splinetex.at
June
Alu Foam M
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Using
post-industrial
aluminium,
Alusion
makes
stiff,
incombustible, non-toxic, sound- and crash absorbing and heat resistant panels. The lightweight stabilized aluminium foam
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final shape. Alu foam has a great aestetic, and high bending
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strength at comparatively low weight.
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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
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 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 the fabrication does not require any significant heat, light or petroleum. It grows in the dark. www.ecovative.com
August M
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
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guarantees the specified characteristics in terms of safety,
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performance and reliability.
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
www.binderholz.com
September
Recyclable Carpet
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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 (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 meet specific demands for strength, resistance, translucency and insulation properties. 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,
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available. Furthermore it is completely natural, biodegradable,
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regenerative and recyclable.
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
www.amorim.com
December
Natural Fiber Fabric
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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 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. The cover of this calendar is raw unprocessed flax, which can be made into the textile you see on this page. www.libeco.com