BiotA Lab Research Cluster 7
2.7 The Bartlett School of Architecture 2015
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2.9 Fig. 2.7 Bio-receptive façade mesh. The design of the bio-receptive façade derives from a self-generative branching system that defines the overall complexity and intricacy of the pervious material structure. Fig. 2.8 Bio-receptive bricks. Sussex sandstone is used as the main aggregate of the bio-receptive concrete bricks. This innovative cementitious composite is not only suitable for moss growth due to its low alkaline levels (pH 2.2), but also due to its water absorption and retention capacity, while providing an ideal textural roughness as a platform for plant growth. To fabricate the bio-receptive bricks, the sandstone powder is mixed with other cementitious aggregates and subjected to a computationally controlled 3D printing process of simple filamentous structures.
Fig. 2.9 Filatures Prototype of façade screen 2. The design of a bio-receptive façade screen for mycelium growth evolves from an iterative design and manufacturing process in which data is generated both from the scanning of growth systems (in nature), as well as computationally-driven simulations (in lab). The filamentous design is interpreted by the robot in the form of various degrees of ‘curly’ geometries that depend on the careful calibration of distance, speed and size of printing nozzle.
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