SYMBIHOME part 1 by Solomon Adebiyi

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SOLOMON ADEBIYI | 15118009 | ADVANCE PRACTICE 2021

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DESIGN BRIEF

APPROACH AND METHODS

DIGITAL FABRICATION

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The design brief was proposed as an extension to my 5th year dissertation, Exploring the concept of bio- inclusive architecture through design. To see if it can provide a vehicle to regenerative design. I will Interrogate sustainable design at the intersection of Advance manufacturing, Computational design, Biology and architecture, with the aim to design an environmentally responsive facade which behaves like a living organism, it adapts, interacts and shelters from its environmental surroundings. The challenge is to our homes in a way that doesn’t just respond to, or includes nature but instead IS nature. THE SYMBIHOME.

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

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SYMBIOSIS Definition of symbiosis 1: the living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms (as in parasitism or commercialism) especially : MUTUALISM 2: a cooperative relationship (as between two persons or groups) the symbiosis … between the resident population and the immigrants — John Geipel

"The design of our habitat is tied to environmental issues deeply-rooted in our construction techniques, which have to be dealt with for hundreds of years. This is because the artificial environment we live in is inert, it is not able to take care of itself as well as it cannot take care of us, as it manages to solve basic problems in a rather primitive manner. Just because they are artificial and thought by a linear ideation to solve one basic problem, our constructs are not able to evolve like every natural organism, therefore they cannot develop effective solutions to problems that come out from the limited schemes which they were designed for.

Despite of that, today we are seeing a scenario where problems can be solved by living and like-living (hybrid) entities working together, in order to obtain resources for adapting to the environment with real benefits" This application is possible thanks to a new branch of biological sciences known as synthetic biology, which can integrate in the natural system according to its own parameters and interact with it, so as to develop solutions more effective for our welfare.

Synthetic biology combines engineering with biology "in order to design and build novel biological functions and systems [that do not exist in nature]. These include the design and construction of new biological parts, devices and systems (e.g. tumour-seeking microbes for cancer treatments), as well as the re-design of existing natural biological systems for useful purposes (e.g. photo-synthetic systems to produce energy)."

Living buildings = synthetic biology applied to architecture SYMBIHOME

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What is Synthetic Biology?

Synthetic biology is the convergence of advances in chemistry, biology, computer science, and engineering that enables us to go from idea to product faster, cheaper, and with greater precision than ever before. It can be thought of as a biology-based “tool kit” that uses abstraction, standardization, and automated construction to change how we build biological systems and expand the range of possible products. With the same ease that technicians assemble computers from standardized parts, biologists are increasingly able to design and build biological solutions to real-world problems in a safe, responsible, reliable, and precise manner.

Since synthetic biology involves designing organisms to perform tasks and produce physical materials, there are possibilities also to the architectural field at many scales. “The most straightforward architectural applications may involve the design and manufacture of new building materials within laboratories or factories.

"The biggest innovation of the twenty-first century will be the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning" - Steve Jobs SYMBIHOME

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BIO INSPIRED DESIGN BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

It goes further than other biology-inspired approaches to design and fabrication. In particular, unlike bio-mimicry, cradle to cradle Green design. Bio-Inclusive Architecture refers specifically to the incorporation of living organisms as essential components, enhancing the function of the finished work. It goes beyond mimicry for what concerns the integration, as it dissolves boundaries and synthesizes new hybrid typologies.

The label is also used to highlight experiments that replace industrial or mechanical systems with biological processes.

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CO-EVOLUTION BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

REGENERATIVE

Architects have long drawn inspiration from the forms and functions of natural systems.

Yet biological cells and organisms have requirements — such as nutrition and growth-support structures — that limit their use in construction. Synthetic biology offers new ways to combine the advantages of living systems with the robustness of traditional materials to produce genuinely sustainable and environmentally responsive architecture.

CO-EVOLUTION OF NATURE AND HUMANKIND SYNTHESIS

STAGE 3 REPAIR AND IMPROVE NATURE AND SOCIETY RECONCILIATION

Less energy required for society More energy required for society

STAGE 2 INTERGRATED DESIGN TOOLS, METHODS, PROCESS CONNECTIVE

STAGE 1 APPLIED GREEN TECHNOLOGIES FRAGMENTATION

DEGENERATIVE

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SUSTAINABLE

UN-SUSTAINABLE

In the context of climate change and urbanization, there is a pressing need to replace construction methods that are harmful to our habitat with sustainable ones. Architecture is currently responsible for 40% of the urban carbon footprint, mostly due to emissions from fossil fuels burned during the various stages of materials manufacture and building construction. As global populations rise — approaching 9 billion people in 2050, 70% of whom will live in cities — carbon emissions from the built environment will increase. If we continue to build with steel and concrete, even the most stringent energy-saving measures will not curtail greenhouse-gas production. Even green roofs and walls need energy-intensive support systems to maintain them within an artificial setting.

STAGE 4

MICRO-ALGAE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

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MICRO-ALGAE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

The integration of life into building materials, systems and components allows us to design future buildings and household objects that could be able to respond dynamically to any external stimulus and to develop a ‘sensitivity’ to changing elements like climate and inhabitants, in imitation to biological systems naving the ability to sense, react, regulate, grow, regenerate and Generally, biological-derived or biotic material is any material that originates from living organisms Most of such materials contain carbon and are capable to decay. Examples of biotic materials are wood, linoleum, straw, humus, manure, bark, crude oil, cotton, spider silk, chitin, fibrin and bone.

This category includes all those technological systems that are based on use of algae integrated in building envelope. Algae are micro-organisms omnipresent in nature which fix significant amounts of carbon dioxide molecules while producing and algal biomass. This is what all photosynthetic organisms (including plants) do. But micro-algae are more efficient: they are unicellular organisms and do not need spending energy for supporting a structure. Energy harvested from biomass can be turned into bio-energy to power buildings: it is non-toxic and biodegradable, as obtained from a renewable source because biomass grows sustainably its combustion will release the same amount of C02 as it has been embodied during time growing due to photosynthesis, resulting in a carbon-neutral energy source. Using algae as a covering material can transform static building into living and dynamic entities. The building will be able to recycle its own wastewater and purify the atmospheric air

PHARMACEUTICALS

WATER

NUTRIENTS

SUNLIGHT

BIO-PLASTICS

BIO FUEL

ALGAE PRODUCTION CARBON DIOXIDE SUPER FOOD

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MICRO-ALGAE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS London-based architectural and urban design firm ecoLogicStudio has unveiled a large-scale “urban curtain” designed to fight climate change. “Photo.Synth.Etica” was developed in collaboration with Climate-KIC, the most prominent climate innovation initiative from the European Union, to “accelerate solutions to global climate change.”

captures and stores one kilogram of CO2 per day, the equivalent to that of 20 large trees.

Photo.Synth.Etica, currently on display at the Printworks Building in Ireland’s Dublin Castle,

The prototype is composed of 16 modules measuring 2 x 7 meters, covering the first and second floor of the historic building, recently featured in our architectural guide to Dublin. Each module functions as a photobioreactor: “a digitally designed and custom-made bioplastic container that utilizes daylight to feed the living micro-algal cultures and releases luminescent shades at night.”

The filtration process involved urban air introduced to the bottom of the façade, causing air bubbles to rise through the watery medium within the bioplastic. CO2 and other pollutants are captured and stored in the algae, and grow into biomass. The biomass can be harvested and used in the production of bioplastic, which is in turn used as the main building material of the photobioreactors themselves.

The process culminates with freshly-filtered oxygen released from the top of each façade unit.

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LIVING ARCHITECTURE (LIAR) Living Architecture (LIAR) is a modular bioreactor-wall, based on the operational principles of microbial fuel cell technology and synthetic ‘consortia’ of microbes. LIAR is conceived as a next-generation selectively-programmable bioreactor that: • Can be an integral component of human dwelling • Extracts valuable resources from waste water and air • Generate oxygen, produce proteins and fibre.

Its operational principles are grounded in distributed sensing, decentralised autonomous information processing, high-degree of fault-tolerance and distributed actuation and reconfiguration.

Applications within (existing) urban systems can include: • Customizable micro-agriculture for installation in domestic, public (schools, hospitals) and office environments: • The improvement of building performance through resilience and resource recycling; • A mediator between the built environment and local ecosystems.

Applications within urban systems are a form of customizable, programmable micro-agriculture for installation in domestic, public (schools, hospitals) and office environments. The system has far reaching impacts on building performance (resilience, resource recycling) manufacturing and design with ecosystems that comprise entangled relations between the techno and biospheres. The project establishes: I) Protocols for ‘synthetic ecosystem’ design and engineering; ii) Foundational concepts for computationally processing, recycling, remediating and synthesising valuable compounds from waste water; iii) Transferable principles for the construction of living architecture.

The project establishes: Protocols for ‘synthetic ecosystem’ design and engineering. Foundational concepts for computationally processing, recycling, remediating and synthesising valuable compounds from waste water. Transferable principles for the construction of living architecture.

Using consortia of synthetic bacteria. LIAR, recycles building waste, generates electricity, produces clean water and biomass.

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https://youtu.be/t_QdQiXBJn8

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SOLAR LEAF BIOREACTOR

How SolarLeaf works

The flat photobioreactors are highly efficient for algal growth and need minimal maintenance.

SolarLeaf’s bioreactors have four glass layers. The two inner panes have a 24-litre capacity cavity for circulating the growing medium. Either side of these panes, insulating argon-filled cavities help to minimise heat loss. The front glass panel consists of white anti reflective glass, while the glass on the back can integrate decorative glass treatments.

Compressed air is introduced to the bottom of each bioreactor at intervals. The gas emerges as large air bubbles and generates an upstream water flow and turbulence to stimulate the algae to take in CO2 and light. At the same time, a mixture of water, air and small plastic scrubbers washes the inner surfaces of the panels. SolarLeaf integrates all servicing pipes for the inflow and outflow of the culture medium and the air into the frames of its elements.

Year-round operation The maximum temperature that can be extracted from the bioreactors is around 40 degrees Celsius, as higher levels would affect the micro algae.

The system can be operated all year round. The efficiency of the conversion of light to biomass is currently 10% and light to heat is 38%. For comparison, photovoltaic systems have an efficiency of 12-15% and solar thermal systems 60-65%.

The vertical glass louvres are filled with water containing nutrients which convert daylight and CO2 to algal biomass through the bio-chemical process of photosynthesis; at the same time the water is heated up by solar-thermal effects. The biomass and heat generated by the façade elements are transported by a closed loop system to the plant room, where both forms of energy are exchanged by a separator and a heat exchanger respectively.

The biomass and heat generated by the façade are transported by a closed loop system to the building’s energy management centre, where the biomass is harvested through floatation and the heat by a heat exchanger. Because the system is fully integrated with the building services, the excess heat from the photobioreactors (PBRs) can be used to help supply hot water or heat the building, or stored for later use.

Vertical bubble columns and airlift reactors These photobioreactors are cylindrical shaped in which the micro algae are grown. The PBR is injected with gas bubbles from the bottom and causes mixing due to turbulence and supply nutrients for the micro algae.

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DIGITAL FABRICATION

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Currently most 3D printed construction projects use concrete, but Lafhaj is certain that is not the future. He says we need to move towards materials that use less energy, have a lower carbon footprint and produce less waste. Plastic is a good alternative because it is more environmentally friendly than concrete, Lafhaj says, but it also has another advantage. In dense urban environments, such as cities like Tokyo, it can be much easier and cheaper to import and move around. “In some areas in Japan there are not a lot of streets where you can construct new buildings,” he explains. “They need new materials that can be brought in without big machines.”

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Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is a major part of the fourth industrial revolution and it will transform the construction sector, according to Zoubeir Lafhaj, an expert in the future of construction, from the graduate engineering school École Centrale de Lille, in France. “3D printing is a formidable tool to introduce robotisation into construction, and other kinds of innovation,” he explains. Lafhaj adds that it will also help tackle environmental issues such as reducing waste.

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ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Ultimately I see additive manufacturing being used to mass produce, customisable prefab architecture. “Prefab is a great way of building because it is fast and clean, but it is also very standardised,” - Heinsman. What we are now capable of offers the advantages of large scale industrial production with the advantages of tailor made production, because we can print with robots and bio-plastics.

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

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Aectual Circular is a novel circular design & digital production service for interior products, that allows you to easily shape-shift one material into infinite new interior design solutions over time.

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The Global building sector is one of the most polluting industries and responsible for almost 50% of global CO2 production. The use of standardized products leads to inefficient transport, many man-hours, and a high level of unfitting discarded materials. 3D printing allows us to make building products that fit. This brings over 30% material reductions and no waste in the process. Bio materials already bring over 60% reduction in CO2 emission compared to conventional counterparts.

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-Less material due to topological optimization Their parametric products are topologically optimized based on various parameters. This means that products can be slimmer and only use material exactly where it is required, leading up to 70% material reduction in specific cases

No waste due to circular prototyping All prototype materials and residues created during production are shredded and directly reprinted into new panels.

Bio-Plastics Development of a bio-based printing material that is free from environmentally harmful elements.

They use a bio-based printing material is free from environmentally harmful elements. It is a polyamide compound based on renewable resources (linseed)

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Mungenast, Tessin, & Morroni, 2019; Sarakinioti, et al., 2018; Tenpierik, Turrin, Wattez, Cosmatu, & Tsafou, 2018

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MATERIAL STUDY BIO PLASTICS Since its invention, plastic has become central in our way of life. In the 1950s, 0.5 million tons of plastic was produced yearly, and this has rocketed to 300 million tons today. However, only 3% of it is recovered and the remaining 97% accumulates in landfills and the sea.

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

Carbon is the major element present in biomass, and according to one study, the entire biomass available on Earth represents approximately 560 billion tonnes of carbon.

Chitosan is a copolymer consisting of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units connected through 1-4 linkage. Chitosan is formed by the enzymatic deacetylation of chitin, which is found in shrimp shells.

The production capacity of chitosan worldwide is approximately 20 × 103 tons annually, and its market is growing, especially in North America and Asia.

Although chitin is of the most available biopolymers on Earth its uses and applications are limited due to its low solubility (does not dissolve in water easily). The deacetylation of chitin leads to chitosan. This biopolymer, composed of randomly distributed (1-4)-linked D-units, has better physicochemical properties due to the facts that it is possible to dissolve this biopolymer under acidic conditions, it can adopt several conformations or structures and it can be functionalized with a wide range of functional groups to modulate its superficial composition to a specific application. Chitosan is considered a highly biocompatible biopolymer due to its biodegradability, bioadhesivity and bioactivity in such a way this biopolymer displays a wide range of applications.

The global estimation of chitin production is ~1010–1011 tons. Remarkably, while providing a constant rain of polysaccharides to the ocean floor (“marine snow”), no substantial accumulation of chitin in ocean sediments occurs due to the rapid recycling of chitin driven by chitinolytic bacteria, mainly from the family Vibrionaceae. These bacteria utilize only chitin as a sole source of cellular energy, and certain Vibrio species such as Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are extremely fast growing. Hence, these bacteria play critical roles in maintaining the carbon and nitrogen cycles in marine ecosystems.

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MATERIAL STUDY CHITIN BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Chitin is considered the second most abundant polysaccharide (after cellulose) on Earth. It appears in Nature as ordered macrofibrils in the exoskeleton of mollusks and crustaceans, as well as in fungi and insect cuticles. Its natural abundance allows obtaining more than 1000 tons every year, of which about 70% comes from marine species.

Inspiration Reference

Chitin as a building block is used at the Angstrom ( The angstrom or ångström is a metric unit of length equal to 10⁻¹⁰ m) , nanometer and micrometer levels of a lobster shell, but organized uniquely at each, to produce a hard yet resilient structure.

Structural composition and arrangement of chitin in the shell of crustaceans

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SOURCE: “Bio-mimetic mechanisms of natural hierarchical materials: A review”

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CRUSTACEAN TO CHITIN/ CHITOSAN PROCESS You can produce chitin with simple chemistry and minimal energy. The first step was to sort of “reverse engineer” chitin itself. By taking chitin shells from shrimp or other creatures and treating it with something alkaline, you get what’s called chitosan.

Despite its unparalleled ubiquity, currently, crustacean shells constitute the main source of 25,000 annual tons of industrial chitin, which are a by-product of the fishing industry.

Bioinspired chitinous composites developed rapidly towards general-purpose manufacturing by demonstrating their capability for producing large-scale objects, integrating with additive manufacturing, fabricating within limited energy requirements, retaining costs similar to commodity plastics The process presented here allows for the first time a general route to embed manufacturing within its surrounding ecosystem.

Crustacean Wastes Washing Grinding

Protien Removal

Chemical: NaOH, KOH, Na2SO3, Na2CO3 Themperature: 25-100oc/ Time: 0.5-72h Concentration: 0.1-2.5M

Minerals Removal

Chemical: HCl, HNO3, CH3CHOOH, HCOOH Themperature: 25-100oc/ Time: 0.5-48h Concentration: 0.1-2.0M Pigments Removal (A) Organic solvent: Acetone, ethyl alcohol, diethyl ether (B) Bleaching KMnO4, NaClO/h2O2 Temperaturature: 20-60 oC/ Time: 0.25 - 12h Chitin Chitosan Deacetylation NaOH/KOH (30-50% w/v) Temperature: 80-150oC/ Time: 1-8h

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NEW PARADIGM OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION Conventional eco-efficient approaches are more concerned with the demand of production, in a attempt to reduce or minimize the harmful impact of human activity on the planet. However value must also be placed on the socio-economic value of decrease. Hence most eco efficient models of construction are just a less bad model of the cradle to grave material streams, leading from material to waste.

I believe a radical paradigm shift is needed to shift us from minimizing negative impact to optimising for positive impact, The SYMBIHOME material life cycle closely follows the Cradle to Cradle Principles.

linier material lifecycle

standard downcycling material lifecycle

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Sustainable recycling material lifecycle

Bio Degradedation Bio based plastic resin

Pellet Production Biomass/ Nutrients

3D Printing

Filament Production

Shredding

Synthetic waste stream

Install

Standard Downcycling

Biological Cycle

Sustainable Recycling Disassembly

Synthetic Cycle Shredded/Crushed

3D Printing

Building blocks Useage

Useage

Install Chitin Shells

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Disassembly

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Circular manufacturing of chitinous bio-composites via bioconversion of urban refuse

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

Bioinspired manufacturing, in the sense of replicating the way nature fabricates, may hold great potential for supporting a socioeconomic transformation towards a sustainable society. Use of unmodified ubiquitous biological components suggests for a fundamentally sustainable manufacturing paradigm where materials are produced, transformed into products and degraded in closed regional systems with limited requirements for transport. However, adoption is currently limited by the fact that despite their ubiquitous nature, these biopolymers are predominantly harvested as industrial and agricultural products. In this study, we overcome this limitation by developing a link between bioinspired manufacturing and urban waste bioconversion. This result is paramount for the development of circular economic models, effectively connecting the organic by-products of civilization to locally decentralized, general-purpose manufacturing.

Although urban waste varies between countries and seasons, in general it is roughly composed of 60% organic matter from food, vegetables, and garden waste; 30% paper, cardboard, textiles, and other cellulosic materials; 12% plastics; 3% metals; and 3% glass5. For non-biodegradable waste streams such as plastics, emphasis is placed on recovery and recycling, while for organic streams, attention is focused on reduction and valorising. As food loss and waste is estimated to be approximately one-third of all food produced globally, considerable efforts are aimed toward valorisation. Valorisation of food waste is primarily performed by bioconversion using microorganisms, enzymes, and animals, aimed at the extraction of proteins for animal or human consumption as well as the production of energy such as methane and biofuels. The black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) became a popular insect globally for its efficient conversion of a wide variety of organic materials, such as urban and agricultural waste, into biomass.

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Variable property design (VPD) is a design approach, aDATA/COMmethodology and a technical DESIGN TO PUTATION PRODUCTION DRIVEN Framework by which to model, simulate and fabricate material assemblies with varying properties designed to correspond to multiple and continuously varied functional constraints. […] In this approach, material precedes shape, and it is the structuring of material properties as a function Design of performance that anticipates their form. (Oxman, 2010) Process acc

Working with a group of natural polymers called polysaccharides — which include cellulose, starch, hemicelluloses, chitin, and chitosan (created via the deacetylation of chitin), and are easy and inexpensive to obtain — the MIT team has been able to make substantial progress on their ambitious goals. Polysaccharides, while possessing characteristics including structural and functional diversity and strength, have been shown to have the ability to replace traditional synthetic materials within the additive manufacturing process.

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PROCESS CASE STUDY: MIT MATERIAL LAB

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

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According to the website, the process uses “natural materials available in every ecosystem, including highly urbanized environments. Linking the most ubiquitous natural resources with a free-form manufacture, this technology has been dubbed “the missing piece in circular economy” (engineering), enabling the production, fabrication, and degradation of materials and products in closed urban environments.”

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The researchers then launched Chitinous PTE. Ltd, a start-up based on the further development and commercialisation of the FLAM 3D process, the “first fully sustainable biological additive manufacturing process, capable of producing large-scale products at low-cost with unmatched environmental characteristics”.

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These researchers came up with FLAM (fungal-like adhesive material), a fully biodegradable and ecologically sustainable material made from cellulose and chitin, the two most common natural polymers and industrial by-products on Earth. The cost of FLAM is less than $2/kg, similar to commodity plastics and is 10 times lower than the cost of common filaments for 3D printing. This material can also be used to 3D print large structures – such as the ‘Hydra’, a proof-of-concept designed to show the world what FLAM could do.

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PROCESS CASE STUDY: FLAM

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BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

Additive manufacture with bio-converted chitin and cellulose from urban refuses.

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Hybrid Living Materials is an integrated framework for data-driven design of geometrically, materially, and biochemically complex objects through the control of biosynthetic bacteria in novel resins containing molecular inducers. The objects created through this framework demonstrate an iterative approach for computational design of localized cell behaviour through material fabrication, and also leverage advanced digital fabrication tools that uniquely incorporate techniques from synthetic biology. Our framework enables the creation of complex free-standing objects or scaffolds for a variety of applications, including point-of-use synthesizers, bioremediation devices, and whole-cell sensing matrices.

To date, the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering have made great advances towards the creation of material gradients in microenvironments and scaffolds that direct cell behavior. However, existing fabrication methods for creating materially heterogeneous substrates often focus on a single property through which to influence cells – such as surface stiffness, porosity, patterning, roughness, hydrophilicity, or chemical concentration. We reasoned that by incorporating multiple material properties, we can build more dynamic and complex microenvironments and substrates, leveraging more functionalities of living cells within a single integrated object.

This is my first iteration or design intention for the symbihome panels, The aim is to create a facade system that is 3d printed using the additive manufacturing process of Chitin Cellulose and Chitosan observed by Flam or MIT Lab, to make a translucent facade which using living systems of micro algae to harvest sunlight and create biomass heat and energy. A hybrid Living system.

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“We’re using that [3D printed] matrix as a form work or scaffold for these normal construction materials,” Boyd says. “The materials really become the strength and especially once the concrete is applied, the matrix is almost irrelevant.” Structurally, that is. By combining free-form 3D printing at the industrial scale—in the same vein as the ground breaking work of Dutch designer Joris Laarman—with the elements of a typical building envelope.

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Here's how the process works: The printer extrudes carbon-fibre-reinforced ABS plastic into a vertical, wall-sized grid, which is then filled in with spray-foam insulation for added rigidity.

Spray-applied concrete is layered on top, followed by any kind of cladding that would normally attach to concrete, Boyd says. The plastic can be routed for plumbing and electrical, as well as to create openings for windows and doors—a challenging deviation from the free-form nature of 3D-printed construction. Fabricated off-site, the matrix cores can be trucked to the job site and plastic-welded there before the other materials are added

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m p lthe oof A cut-out prototype wall ex e c a or shows the matrix core installed with theDATA/COMremaining envelope matePUTATION DRIVEN rials

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FORM PRECEDENCE: CURVE APPEAL

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The architecture consists of multiple composite panels of varying sizes making up the exterior building envelope, interior partitions, structural columns and furniture elements. Composite panels will use Branch’s C-Fab matrix internal structural lattice.

The exterior cladding is made of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete; the internal matrix lattice of carbon-fiber-reinforced ABS; the matrix in fill of closed-cell polyurethane foam; and the interior surfaces of various gypsum-based products.

Branch says the composite construction will provide between three to four times the strength of traditional wood stud construction, will have a projected insulation (or “R” value) as high as 50, and yield a net zero energy structure.

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

The process also delivers job‐site efficiencies, the company notes. The U.S. Construction industry wastes an estimated $73 billion in labour each year because of inefficient on‐site fabrication techniques. By shipping modular components to the job site, it claims, contractors can realize an assembly process that is as much as 30 percent faster and 1.7 times more labour efficient than typical, on‐site methods.

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Scientists Create Bone-Inspired Structure for Stronger 3D Printing

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The team suspected that the vertical plates do contribute to a bone’s stiffness and strength, but it’s the horizontal beams that make bone durable over the long-term. To demonstrate this, the team created a 3D printed model of trabaculae (below). They showed that the 3D printed trabaculae had similar mechanical properties to real bone. Then, they made a fully synthetic structure inspired by human bone and adjusted the horizontal beam thickness. They found that a 30 percent thicker beam resulted in a 100-fold increase in load-bearing capacity, offering compelling proof that the horizontal structures are the main contributor to strength.

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Trabaculae consist of vertical plate-like struts and horizontal rod-like structures that act like columns and beams.

When you’re young, the trabaculae in your bones are dense with these beams and columns. However, bones become less dense as you age, which is why breaks are more common among older people. The researchers wanted to see how much impact the two trabaculae structures had on strength.

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Neither bones nor 3D printed objects are completely solid — that would make them too heavy. In 3D printing, projects often make use of various “infill” to make the structure stronger. In bones, the strength comes from spongy structures called trabaculae. In both cases, the key is collections of columns and beams that distribute the load evenly. The team found that creating modified versions of the “beams” inside human bone with 3D printing could produce objects that are much more durable.

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Making the horizontal supports thicker did not significantly increase the weight of 3D-printed objects. That means we could eventually produce large 3D-printed structures that are durable and light enough to be transported from place to place.

Inspiration Reference

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 2 In Nature―where shape is cheaper than material―one often finds load-resisting structures that combine multiple systems to accommodate for constantly shifting forces over time. Contrary to traditional man-made structural design, where beams and columns are often composed of homogeneous materials, many natural structures exhibit heterogeneity in both shape and material composition.

I tried to recreate the Trabaculae structure using Grasshopper scripts, and although its not exactly the shape id want it to be, I think it works well visually and as a proof of concept.

Trabaculae Plastic

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EXTRACTION PIPE BIO PLASTIC

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CO2 INTAKE

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3F studio is led by the same research team that produced Fluid Morphology. Using the same system, 3F studio is currently pushing the Fluid Morphology prototype to be used as an interim façade for the Deutsches Museum in Munich. The façade will act as anDesign interim external façade for the Deutsches museum for 15 years, spanning 45m long and 15m tall.

PETG parts will be printed in 1 m Process x 1 m modules to create a translucent wave using BigRep’s large scale 3D 27 printers. Just like Fluid Morphology, this façade will integrate functional elements such as shading, ventilation, insulation, structure, and acoustic control. urate

Sprong3D is a working prototype by Pr. Michela Turrin and Martin Tenpierik at TU Delft, It is used for demonsration of the ability of polymer FDM to incorporated passive heating and cooling functions with the integration of heat storage and insulation using cellular geometries to channel water and trap air.

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 2

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Cells: insulation Channels: liquid circulation

This technique was simulated for several composite climates such as Madrid, Los Angeles, and cape Town. Results from these studies showed that SPONG3D was able to provide passive heating and cooling benefits for 75% to 80% of the year, with greater impact on reducing cooling demand

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FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION A facade has many functions within a tight space, it is a building component that has historically shown the state of art and innovation in architectural history. The idea is to achieve the same functional integrated building skin using 3d printing to reduce technical components whist still being able to perform. So instead of a high tech complicated facade with many assembled piece can we create a low tech synthetic biological living skin which incorporates those functions?

So I looked into the first principles of the facade design to see what opportunities 3d printing could add to the assembly.

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Ideally building envelope should be able to carry out several functions in relation with the outdoor context and indoor conditions.

In 1981, Mike Davis proposes his vision of multifunctional envelope named Polyvalent Wall. This was a wall system integrating several layers between two glass slices. This prototype allows to meet several needs (thermal insulation, adjustable sunscreen energy production). Starting from the polyvalent wall, Knaack and his associates present the idea of an integrated façade.

This kind of system integrates opaque and transparent components are able to meet all needs in its thickness. It was later developed in the form of precast modules integrating HVAC systems and acoustic insulation, designed to have good daylight properties and shadings systems. Later, the research on building envelope led to technological improvement based not only on multifunctional nature of its components, but also on the automation of a dynamic behavior towards boundary conditions (outdoor and indoor).

1- NATURAL LIGHTING

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2- WEATHERPROOFING 3- UV PROTECTION 4- ACOUSTIC BARRIER

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6- VISUAL PRESENCE 11

7- VENTILATION 8- THERMAL BARRIER 9- FIRE PROTECTION

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10- STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALITY 11- VISUAL CONNECTION

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MATERIAL STUDY THE CELLULAR STRUCTURE OF A LEAF

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

My process involves looking into nature for inspiration for design or structural problems. A leafs cellular structure is an articulated system with specific interconnected cells dealing with different functions in a cohesive connected web, much like a facade. It is used as reference because it can be considered as a compact system dealing with several functions, filtering between the interior and exterior, effectively transferring energy in both directions according to needs.

The structure of a cross section of a leaf is made by an (1) external epidermis, protecting the inside from water through a waxy cuticle which seals up the leaf making a completely water tight skin. (Rainscreen/external finish)

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After the skin you have the palisade mesophyll, (2) which is where phosnthesis occurs.(This is where I propose to introduce the algae growing medium for solar energy generation) Below that there is the spongy mesophyll, which has voids to let gasses and reactants flow through(3)(This would be my structural trabaculae). This is linked to the overall distribution of the entire plant through vascular bundles, these transport water and phloem with sugars. (This would be the intake and outake pipes introduced into the facade)

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On the lower side another layer of epidermis (4) with cuticle protects the leaf. Here stomata are located, as doors or valves, opening and closing for humidity control and gas exchanges. (This would be the internal layer)

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MATERIAL STUDY THE CELLULAR STRUCTURE OF A BAMBOO

BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

I started looking into hierarchical structures, a common solution found in nature, where the multi-scale organization — from the nano to macro level of ordinary building blocks produces extraordinary properties. For example Nacre which consists mainly of a very brittle material, calcium carbonate. But due to its hierarchical structure, it is tough. However, it is always used in nature in flat structures, not complex shapes. But what we are working on are very complex geometries as well as complex nano structures. The structure of Bamboo is particularly interesting.

The stem, or culm, is segmented by nodes, the bands at regular intervals. The node manifests as a diaphragm to the interior of the culm which helps to prevent buckling of the walls. The space between nodes is known as the internode; the internodal spacing varies along the culm and between species. Within the internodes, cellulose fibres and vascular bundles run parallel to the length of the culm, while at the nodes they intersect, with some of them crossing into the nodal diaphragm. For natural efficiency, these fibres are roughly six times more numerous on the outside of the culm compared to the inside making it both denser and stronger towards the outside. As in timber, a weak matrix called parenchyma (which is primarily made of lignin) holds these strong fibres transversely together, and it is this material which normally governs the strength of a bamboo culm, especially in tension perpendicular to the fibres and in shear. Providing a protective shell around the cellulose is a tough silica layer about 0.25mm thick, which is relatively impermeable. The dry density of bamboo is typically about 500-800kg/m3, although this can vary both along the length of the culm and as noted through the thickness of the wall.

Model of the polylamellate wall structure of a bamboo fiber. The fiber cell wall exhibits a polylamellate structure with alternating broad and narrow lamellae. The narrow layers consist of unidirectional microfibril layers, alternatively in transverse and longitudinal lamellae, with orientation 2–20°/85–90°; the broad layers are the matrix. The middle lamella is the outer-most layer, followed by the primary wall. c The spindle-like short tiny fibers, tapered at both ends, are intercalated longitudinally each other along the culm. d Nanoscale cellulose grains with orientation and other distributed components.

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LIQUID AS A THERMAL MASS Throughout the history of passive solar heating, there are many accounts of innovative thinkers using water as a thermal mass. Steve Baer used 55 gallon water-filled barrels in his “Zomehouse” residence in Corrales, New Mexico, in the early 1970s. Throughout the U.S. southwest from the late 1960s through 1980s, the late Harold Hay topped metal roof decks with clear polyethylene water bags. Solar pioneers John Reynolds and Ken Haggard have inconspicuously utilized concealed passive solar heated water tanks in various commercial structures since the 1990s.

I wanted to further investigate the use of liquid/ water as a thermal mass to discover the relative properties of it against standard thermal masses.

Trombe walls are another type of thermal mass wall application with the added consideration of ventilation to control warming and cooling cycles. The basic Trombe wall configuration places thermal mass behind a glazed opening to store solar heat gain while using ventilation in between itself and the glazing to carry warm air either into a space to warm it or out of a space to cool it A Trombe and water wall both consist of material that has thermal mass. Having thermal mass is one of the essential elements in passive solar building. The thermal mass collects solar heat throughout the day and radiates the heat into the living space during the cooler night.

During the night, the temperature is typically cold while the water in the water wall is hot from the solar radiation stored during the day.

The stored heat passively warms the living quarters with radiant heat during the cooler night. As the water wall releases its heat, it slowly cools. By the morning, the wall is cold, and will slowly warm as the sun shines on it. Because of its mass, it will not immediately warm, and will work to keep the house cool.

In terms of thermal storage capacity, water is far superior to concrete, brick, adobe, and gypsum. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat (BTUs) required to raise the temperature of one unit (I.e., one pound) of mass one degree of temperature (°F).

Water needs over four times more heat to rise in temperature than either concrete or brick. This means that water has the capacity to “absorb” more heat than other typical types of thermal mass.

Through this analysis, it is clearly evident that water is an ideal thermal mass. The trick for designers and engineers has always been figuring out how to harness something that is largely considered to be a liability for building envelopes. If a roof pond or water wall or thermal storage tank leaks, the water can quickly damage a building and the contents within.

For photosynthesis approximately 0.75 litre of water is needed per kg of concentrated algae biomass. Water can be used in closed photobioreactors for cooling, but cooling can also be achieved with an heat exchange system. The same can be achieved with heating the PBR and heat can also be extracted from the PBR for usage in the building.

ALGAE GROWING MEDIUM THERMAL MASS

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-Water is three times the thermal storage capacity of concrete.

-Has only half the weight of brick.

-Is completely non-toxic.

-Is completely transparent.

-Is inherently fire-resistant.

-Is abundantly available in the U.S. at virtually zero cost (at least for the time being).

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Gas exchange The biomass of grown algae roughly contains 45-50% of carbon which is absorbed through photosynthesis. The concentration of CO2 in the air (0.033%) is the limitation for a quick algae growth if additional CO2 is not supplied to feed the micro algae. For maximum growth rate, concentrated CO2 supply is necessary. This can be captured from industrial exhaust gases or from soluble carbonates. Also the CO2 from the atmosphere can be collected with a carbon scrubbing device with carbon capture resin. When the resin is saturated, water vapour is released to increase the humidity and the resin will release the CO2.

To produce 1 ton of algal biomass, 1.8 tons of CO2 is needed (Wijffels & Barbosa, 2010). Transporting the CO2 over large distances to the bioreactors is not a good solution in producing biofuels. Carbon sources can be captured from flue gasses at (coal) power plants. Large amounts of gases are emitted every day in these power plants with concentration of CO2 up to 13%. This concentrated CO2 can be used to cultivate micro algae in my symbihome panels. Here we use a waste stream of CO2 from coal combustion and transforming it in usable fuel and food and energy.

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328352287_Carbon_Capture_ and_Storage_ProgramCCSP_Final_report_112011-31102016/figures?lo=1

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 3 The Symbihome panel explores the symbioses between nature and technology and the world of hybrid forms. In effect it is a synthetic biological leaf that can absorb water and carbon dioxide, while producing oxygen like a plant. Made from bioplastic processed from chitin, chitosan and cellulose the most abundant materials on earth, the way nature would design, the panel creates a paradigm shift of the relationship between the built environment and the natural environment, between the assembled and grown, inert and the living.

VAPOUR OPEN GAP

CHITINOUS PTE EXTERIOR MEMBRANE CHITIN PTE FLAM PTE TRABACULAE ALGAE GROWING MEDIUM

CHITIN PTE INTERIOR MEMBRANE

CO2/ COMPRESSED AIR INTAKE ALGAE GROWING MEDIUM OUT-TAKE

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 3 CHITIN PTE INTERIOR MEMBRANE

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FLAM PTE TRABACULAE CHITIN PTE

CHITINOUS PTE EXTERIOR MEMBRANE

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With this design, it is easier to keep the temperature at a certain level due to the mass of the water. The advantage is that less energy is needed for cooling or heating the photobioreactor and less material usage.

Seawater with nutrients and CO2 will be pumped through the panels with the micro algae.

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SYMBIHOME PANEL FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION The first step was really to define functions in the façade, which could potentially be printed. Since 3D printers can only print geometry, I looked into the topic of “functional geometry” to define geometries which have certain function attached to them. I researched this topic by looking to nature for similar problems, similar functions (Leaf, Bamboo, and Nacre), maybe in a different scale but we then transferred those ideas into an architectural scale.

There are two distinct points in light intensities that each phototrophic algae culture has. The one is at zero light intensity (night) in which algae don’t grow at all (the compensation point). The growth rate increases with increasing light intensities and the photosynthesis increases until a point of maximum light absorption is attained. The algae becomes saturated and can’t absorb more light (the light saturation point) (Tampier et al., 2009). If the light saturation point is exceeded, algae will not grow faster, but instead it will degrade its growth rate by photo oxidation. Photo oxidation is damage caused by light to light receptors which results in a decrease in photosynthetic rate and productivity.

This is why a self shading system is integrated into the facade to combat overheating in the summer. Hence a self shade articulation is needed to be integrated into the facade

FUNCTIONAL INTEGRATION ADAPTABILITY SUN-SHADING VISUAL CONNECTION ACOUSTIC DEFLECTION STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION THERMAL MASS

“3D printing was not only about creating a crazy, new form in architecture but as well, creating multi functionality out of one piece, out of one material, and in one production step.”

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WINTER SUN ALGAE GROWING MEDIUM THERMAL MASS

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VISUAL CONNECTION

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SYMBIHOME PANEL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 3 BENEFITS OF THE SYMBIHOME PANEL

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The development of the symbihome panels provides a few advantages. The need for radical change to mitigate our GHG emission, energy demands and consumption.

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TRANSPORTATION By printing components on site or a micro factory, transportation costs and associated emissions can be reduced.

SPEED The potential of automated unsupervised printing allows for round-the-clock production. Pieces can also be distributed to multiple printers as parts to reduce time.

LIGHT TRANSMISSION SYMBIHOME PANELS are developed in a clear plastics, biopolymer FDM offers the ability to integrate functions such as insulation and thermal mass without much loss of light transmission

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Inspiration Reference

RECYCLABILITY

LIGHT WEIGHT Compared to wood, and masonry construction, chitinous biopolymer PTE offers a more lightweight solution while also being able to integrate thermal mass.

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Monomaterial polymer prints allow for extended recycling potential, old components can be shredded down and reprinted. The printing of geometry also reduces waste.

INSULATION Plastic components can also reduce energy consumption by providing improved insulative capacity.

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The majority of the frequently used polymers not only burn quite briskly and release large amounts of smoke and heat but also melt vigorously, which promotes further fire propagation

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To improve sustainability of polymers and to reduce carbon footprint, polymers from renewable resources are given significant attention due to the developing concern over environmental protection. The renewable materials are progressively used in many technical applications instead of short-term-use products. However, among other applications, the flame retardancy of such polymers needs to be improved for technical applications due to potential fire risk and their involvement in our daily life. To overcome this potential risk, various flame retardants (FRs) compounds based on conventional and non-conventional approaches such as inorganic FRs, nitrogen-based FRs, halogenated FRs and nanofillers were synthesized. However, most of the conventional FRs are non-biodegradable and if disposed in the landfill, microorganisms in the soil or water cannot degrade them. Hence, they remain in the environment for long time and may find their way not only in the food chain but can also easily attach to any airborne particle and can travel distances and may end up in freshwater, food products, ecosystems, or even can be inhaled if they are present in the air.

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BIODEGRADABLE FLAME RETARDANT

Intumescent Flame Retardants

Intumescent originates from the Latin word “intumescere,” which means to swell up. Intumescent material, if heated above a certain temperature, starts to expand and swell up, resulting in the formation of a charred layer on the exterior of the material. This charred layer restricts the diffusion of oxygen to the site of combustion and protects the underlying material from exposure to fire and heat flux. Intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) offer a highly effective strategy to enhance the fire retardancy of polymers as a charred layer develops that acts as a shield between the polymer and heat source and protects the polymer material from further burning and dripping. Modern IFR systems are based on halogen-free flame retardants (HFFRs) which, unlike their halogen-containing counterparts, are environmentally safe, as they do not degrade into dioxins, whereas halogenated compounds with aromatic rings can degrade into dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Chlorinated dioxins are among the highly toxic compounds listed by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants Volatile products are emitted from the polymer as it is ignited by thermal oxidative reaction, which actually is the main reason for the burning of a polymer. However, this mechanism can be changed to produce less volatile products and more char on the surface of a polymer. The formation of char on polymer surface not only act as smoke suppressant but also removes heat of combustion therefore, this action mechanism is considered far superior. The type of flame retardants generally preferred for char formation are halogen-free flame retardants, and the system in which they are used is known as intumescent flame retardant system Scientists are exploring the potential of bio-based compounds such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, alginates, and lignin as biodegradable carbonization agents in flame retardants All these bio-based compounds are known to provide excellent charring effects during combustion, which not only protects the underlying material from further burning but also restricts the diffusion of oxygen and heat transfer. If these bio-based compounds are used together with phosphorous- and nitrogen-based compounds, their efficiency toward flame retardancy can be further improved.

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BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Inspiration Reference

An internal and external coating of a cellulose based flame retardant will be applied to the facade system, creating a char layer on the polymer’s surface which reduces heat of combustion, restricts diffusion of oxygen and reduce toxic smoke emission.

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MICRO ALGAE AND COLOUR Some micro algae have the ability to light-up under certain circumstances.

Biologist at UC San Diego have succeeded in creating coloured algae with the use of fluorescent proteins in the algae cells. The colours of that they can make at the moment is blue, cyan, green, yellow and orange all with fluorescent protein. The algae will glow light and it can be implemented in façade design with different colours and as a small light source

Artificial light with LEDs like in the Originoil helix photobioreactor can be used as light for micro algae, but it can also be interesting as a public furniture where people can sit and see the micro algae grow and in the night, it could serve as lighting for the public space and grow the micro algae by night. Also Pierre Calleja is working on algae street lamps. His design for a street lamp is a big tube that stands as a light column. The column can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and use it as nutrient for micro algae to grow.. The batteries in the bioreactor is charged during daytime with photosynthesis. At night, the stored energy in the bat-

Furthermore there are different types of microagae which turn different colours whilst growing, It is therefore my intention to use the colours to create a responsive facade which introduces a change of colour in the growing medium as a response to CO2 levels in its context. This process works because the growing medium is constantly being filtered with new micro algae being pumped in, Hence a different stand coloured micro algae could be introduced through the day.

LEVEL OF CO2 INTAKE

teries is used for lighting

Originoil helix photobioreactor

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SYMBIHOME Pavilion In order to demonstrate the technology of the symbihome panel, I decided to create a serpentine pavilion type structure. This would help visualise the concept at a human and interactive scale level.

Each summer, the Serpentine invites an internationally renowned architect to create their first built structure in England.

The immediacy of the process - a maximum of six months from invitation to completion - provides a unique model for commissioning architecture. The selection of the architects, chosen for consistently extending the boundaries of architecture practice, is guided by the Serpentine’s commitment to offer innovative ways for all ages to engage with modern and contemporary art, architecture and design. The brief is to design a 300 square metre Pavilion that is used as a café by day and a forum for learning, debate and entertainment at night. There is no budget for the project: it is realised through sponsorship, in-kind support and the sale of the Pavilion.

Past Pavillions and inspiration

Francis Kere - 2017 This pavilion was inspired by the tree that serves as a meeting point for life in this home town in Burkina Faso. This pavilion is a responsive pavilion that connects visitors to nature and each other. An expansive roof, supported by central steel framework, mimics a tree’s canopy, it allows air to freely circulate while offering shelter against London’s rain and summer heat.

A Pavilion is a flexible architectural open space that invites people to come in and spend time in it.

It could be temporary or permanent and might even change its form and function. A Pavilion might be used as a: shelter, seating, meeting point, cafe, theatre, or for lectures, events, exhibitions, sports, play, relaxation, work and much more.

Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG) - 2016 Bjarke created an unzipped wall, it was created through the transformation of a straight line into three dimensional space, creating a cave like canyon lit through the stacked, open fibreglass frames.

Selgascano - 2016 Selgascano designed an amorphous, polygonal structure consisting of panels of translucent, multi-coloured polymer (ETFE) woven through and wrapped like webbing. Visitors could enter and exit at a number of different points, or pass through a secrete corridor between the outer and inner layer of the structure and into a brilliant, stain glass-effect interior

https://buildyourownpavilion.serpentinegalleries.org/what-is-a-pavilion/

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https://buildyourownpavilion.serpentinegalleries.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Serpentine-Pavilions-2000-2017.pdf

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SYMBIHOME Pavilion Concept

The concept of the pavilion is to create a structure that is made from natural biodegradable materials, additively manufactured and typologically optimised, multifunctional and environmentally responsive. The Symbihome pavilion is essentially an organic, living structure, much like a leaf or a tree.

It interacts, adapts, protects and takes full advantage of its surrounding to create energy, food and heat. Hence as the visitors interact within the pavilion they are experiencing a new type of nature, not artificial not natural but a synthetic biological creature.

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GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The pavilion is an undulating funnel structure that covers a footprint of 166 m2, the maximum height is 6000mm It is East west oriented to maximise southern Solar gains. The structure is made of 85 symbihome panels, additively manufactured at a micro factory and transported to site, where robotic arms put them into place and seal them together.

The undulation experienced within the structure is to showcase the benefits of additive manufacturing, the ability to create bespoke double curved components at no extra cost or wasted material.

Seating spaces are provided to allow visitors to sit, gather and experience the pavilion

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Symbihome Pavilion Skin Build up The stratigraphy choices for the Symbihome envelope system follows the logic of Cradle to Cradle,Created from naturally abundant resources which can be reused recycled or bio-degraded. The system is made of lightweight 3d printed panels with algae growing mass to deal with thermal massing as well as solar shading. The FLAM PTE trabaculae works as the optimised structural system holding the panel together. The interior Chitin PTE is coated with a clear chitinous flame retarder (in case of fire) The space between each panel is sealed together by a rigid opaque Flam plastic filament, creating an additional structural grid and a cavity barrier, within this space are the intake and out-take pipes that serve the panel.

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1- Chitinous PTE external rain screen 10mm 2- Vapour Open air layer 50mm 3- Chitin PTE 50mm

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4- FLAM PTE Trabaculae structure 250mm 5- Algae Growing medium 250mm

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6-Chitin PTE 50mm with flame retardant coating Internal Surface Fittings 7- Intake pipe 100mm diameter 8- out-take pipe 100mm diameter 9- LED Strip lights

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Micro Factory production The intention is to propose an element which could be printed all in one, by performing a one step production phase, which is then assembled on site. Additive manufacturing is used in a way to maximise its unique advantages of production, with complex geometries in high speed of production at the service of a facade system.

AM offers the ability to completely integrate numerous functionalities into a single lightweight, free-form, functional zone

A micro factory system can be used (as shown by the manufacturing company Arrival (https://arrival.com/?id=15)) A modular, scalable system that can be set up at a fraction of the cost of a full scale factory but with more efficiency.

Micro factories can be set up anywhere there is demand, from existing commercial spaces to warehouses. They serve individual cities, support local economies and produce purpose-built products customised to regional needs.

The comparison between conventional construction methods and Additive manufacturing is mainly to do with human resources which are involved in various stages for conventional construction, this is time consuming and expensive, and the final product is produced with a lot of waste. Additive manufacturing here automates it all with less involvement of human resources, leading to less labour costs and ultimately less material waste.

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On Site Robotic construction The aim is to use Robotic construction and assembly to build the symbihome pavilion. In construction while each building may be unique, it will almost certainly be assembled from a series of components and products, such as bricks or tiles, that are common to many other ‘unique’ schemes. It is this commonality that makes the use of robots on construction sites a possibility.

Currently, there are very few robots used on construction sites. However, there are robots that have been developed for brick-laying and masonry. These robots are claimed to dramatically improve the speed and quality of construction work.

The plan is to have a robotic rig build on the site, where the robot arm can be programmed to pick up, place in position and seal the panels.

In July 2018, the RIBA and Microsoft produced the report: Digital Transformation in Architecture. One of the key findings from this research is that the way architectural organisations operate has changed significantly in the last few years with digital technologies transforming the way that they work. I aim to operate on this trend.

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Colour changes due to higher levels of CO2 detected within the system

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“ARCHITECTURE ITSELF CANNOT MEND OUR DISCONNECTION FROM NATURE, THE INANIMATE CAN’T AKE US WHOLE - BUT IT CAN FOSTER THAT CONNECTION BY ELEGANTLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY SEIZING EACH OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT US WITH NATURE” SYMBIHOME

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Micro Algae Production system The Symbihome pavilion is able to sequester CO2 whist generating Micro algae protein as biomass, whist also producing clean electricity, purify waste water and heat which can be stored or put into an heat exchanger. This is all from solar input that causes photosynthesis in the panels.

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The Symbihome Pavilion’s water purification system can be connected to a building’s plumbing system, It produces purified water through its hydrogen fuel cells, and the water created from the fuel cell is delivered to the building, as well as the public drinking fountains. Waste water is filtered and treated by on site living machines. The resulting grey-water is used for irrigation and toilets.

Solar Input

The Symbihome panel’s combustion process yields a significant amount of thermal energy as a product of its fuel cell process, that can be used for building heating or additional electricity.

The Symbihome panel’s unique overall process of energy creation is what our engineers call a “carbon sink”. As algae grows, it consumes carbon dioxide like any plant, and since hydrogen fuel cells produce little to zero pollution, the process is truly carbon-negative. The main problem with photovoltaic panels is that the electricity generated is very difficult to store. Batteries made from lead or lithium are extremely polluting to produce and recycle. The Symbihome algae bioreactors store electricity naturally in energetic compounds for free, at ambient pressure and temperature.

CO2 Recycled

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Compressor Solid State Storage 8

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H2 Output

Biomass output 3

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Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cell

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Productive Output

Low velocity pump + filter

Heat

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Energy

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H20 https://www.growenergy.org/research/

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SYMBIHOME DOME Another potential application of the symbihome panels is as a structural glazing facade system.

The example I am building upon is Apple Marina Bay Sands, Singapore by Foster and Partners.

The design is the result of a close collaboration between Apple’s design teams and the integrated engineering and design team at Foster + Partners. David Summerfield, Foster + Partners said, “Apple Marina Bay Sands is all about the delicate interplay between transparency and shade. The structure dissolves the boundary between the inside and outside, creating a minimal platform that floats gently in the water, looking out over the bay and the spectacular Singapore skyline.”

Structurally, the dome acts as a hybrid steel and glass shell, where the grid of steel sections support the weight of the glass and shading, and the curved structural glass panels restrain the steel elements laterally and stiffen the overall form against lateral loads.

Integrated solar shading devices keep the interior cool. Each of the 114 panels of glass is carefully selected to meet glazing indices as prescribed by BCA Green Mark, Singapore’s own sustainability rating system.

Each of the multifunctional concentric light sunshade rings reduce in size as they progress towards the top of the building, providing acoustic absorption for the store. More importantly, they diffuse and reflect daylight to the baffle above, creating a magical effect and dematerialising the structure. At the top a semi-opaque oculus provides a dramatic shaft of light that travels through the space, reminiscent of the famous Pantheon in Rome. Stefan Behling, Foster + Partners said, “The dome appears ephemeral.

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SYMBIHOME GLAZING The Symbihome panel, would also work as a shop front glazing or an alternative glazing solution, In this example I have located it in a busy urban cafe setting, where it could purify the air like a tree and the microalgae biomass greated could be used as super protein for the cafe to serve, waste water could also be purified and the energy and heat generated coud be used to power the lights and heating demands. Furthermore it creates an interactive facade installation to increase footfall.

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MOVING FORWARD

Studio 2 was all about researching and creating a new technological system, showing its application to complex forms, exploring its performance and functional integration, and visualising the spacial experienced that could be created across different construction scales.

Through this research I have devised a Novel technology that is sustainable, regenerative and imaginative, combining the synthetic and biological into one living panel system.

The limitations of studio 2 The size of the panels in the sapcial experimentation needs revisiting, because at the moment it falls intothe trap of the fallacy of scale and magnitude, more research needed to be done on appropriate scale.

Furthermore at the moment its an aesthetic device, I want to transfer it into more than just that, I want to create a panel that can rival the photovaltaic cell.

Studio 3 therefore will be about working on the details of the panel and integrating the system into a building, exploring the implications of its application, turning waste streams to opportunities and holistically developing the system into a workable Alternative solution to traditional building construction. This would involve creating a facility for research and education and fabrication of additive manufactured bioplastics and biomass.

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