
Bio-based Building Skin
by Anna Sandak, Jakub Sandak, Marcin Brzezicki, Andreja Kutnar · Design
About this book
This book provides a compendium of material properties, demonstrates several successful examples of bio-based materials' application in building facades, and offers ideas for new designs and novel solutions. It features a state-of-the-art review, addresses the latest trends in material selection, assembling systems, and innovative functions of facades in detail. Selected case studies on buildings from diverse locations are subsequently presented to demonstrate the successful implementation of various biomaterial solutions, which defines unique architectural styles and building functions. The structures, morphologies and aesthetic impressions related to bio-based building facades are discussed from the perspective of art and innovation; essential factors influencing the performance of materials with respect to functionality and safety are also presented. Special emphasis is placed on assessing the performance of a given facade throughout the service life of a building, and after its end. The book not only provides an excellent source of technical and scientific information, but also contributes to public awareness by demonstrating the benefits to be gained from the proper use of bio-based materials in facades. As such, it will appeal to a broad audience including architects, engineers, designers and building contractors. This open book is licensed under a Creative Commons License (CC BY). You can download Bio-based Building Skin ebook for free in PDF format (17.2 MB).
Key Insights
- The integration of biomaterials in architecture represents a paradigm shift from static structures to dynamic, 'living' skins that optimize building functions and define modern aesthetic identities.
- Strategic material selection and assembly engineering are critical to ensuring the structural safety and functional longevity of bio-based facades throughout their entire lifecycle.
- Sustainable architecture demands a circular economy approach, prioritizing performance assessment not just during a building's service life, but fundamentally addressing its environmental impact post-decommissioning.
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