Modern Modernisme

Vertical Printing Robotic Simulation Bio Material Facade System

The proposed project focuses on using seagrass waste from the Mediterranean Sea to create novel biocomposites for constructing bio-receptive walls. Seagrass, a species-specific to the Mediterranean Sea, has several properties that make it an ideal material for building walls that require no additional irrigation or maintenance.

Faculty: Marcos Cruz I Ricardo Mayor facades, providing an ornamental aesthetic while promoting sustainable living and circular economy principles. By creating a new ornamental aesthetic for buildings, the project aims to promote the idea of greening and circular economy principles.

Posidonia Sea grass Circularity Diagram From Sea to Facade

Material Test

The bio composite made from Posidonia fibers, Gelatin, and Cellulose is a material with a unique set of chemical and physical properties that make it suitable for various applications.

Chemically, the bio composite is composed of cellulose, which forms the matrix that holds the material together, Posidonia fibers, which provide reinforcement, and gelatin, which acts as a natural adhesive. The combination of these materials provides the bio composite with excellent adhesion, which makes it suitable for bonding to various surfaces.

Physically, the bio composite has high tensile strength and modulus due to the presence of Posidonia fibers, making it suitable for structural applications. The presence of gelatin enhances its flexibility.

The excellent adhesion properties of the bio composite could allow it to bond to the surface of the facade, providing a durable and long-lasting print. The mechanical strength of the material would ensure that the print remains intact and resistant to damage over time.

Design

Designing a building facade from the bio composite made from Posidonia fibers, gelatin, and cellulose and fabricating it using 3D printing technology can offer several benefits. The high tensile strength and modulus of the material make it suitable for use in structural applications, while the flexibility and water-holding properties of the material allow for unique and creative designs.

One potential design inspiration for a building facade could be Barcelona’s Modernisme sgraffito pattern, which is characterized by intricate and colorful designs.

The bio composite could be printed in layers using 3D printing technology, allowing for the creation of complex patterns and designs.

The use of the bio composite for the facade would also be sustainable, as it is made from natural materials and is biodegradable. Additionally, the use of 3D printing technology would allow for precise fabrication and minimize waste.

Optimization & Fabrication

The proposed project aims to create a bio-receptive texture using seagrass waste from the Mediterranean Sea that can be applied to the sides of buildings that receive more direct sunlight. These areas typically experience higher levels of heat penetration, which can make the building less energy-efficient and increase cooling costs. By applying the bio-receptive texture to these areas, the material’s hydrophobic and fire-repellent properties can help to reduce heat penetration and make the building more energy-efficient, resulting in lower cooling costs.

The aim is to scale up the system and fabricate bio-receptive walls using a skeleton structure to support the 3D printed material. This would be done with the help of mini bots, which would assist in the construction process. By using this approach, it would be possible to create complex tectonic facades that promote sustainable living and circular economy principles. Additionally, the use of bio-receptive texture on the sides of the building that receive more direct sunlight can help to reduce heat penetration and increase energy efficiency.