AWI/R.Crawford

Substituting materials with load-bearing functions
Adapted bionic structuring (e.g. additive manufacturing) in combination with other natural materials (e.g. basalt, fibres, wood) is to be used for substitute load-bearing materials. They are to be environmentally friendly, locally available and resource-efficient. Also, concepts for breathable, heat-insulating lightweight walls are to be developed, on the basis of fractally composed shell structures, particularly of diatoms.

Fractal shell reinforcements based on the structures of diatoms and other organisms are to be used to develop load-bearing wall structures which can be covered with very thin, transparent layers. The prototypes, i.e. wall modules of various sizes from the results obtained, will be built into available (existing) buildings and containers (BEA platform). Where possible, they are to be tested and evaluated by users and visitors.