Biogenic Architecture – Planetary Opportunities

How can biogenic materials such as reed, straw and clay provide new ways of building within the planetary boundaries?

The project explores the physical, aesthetic, and ecological potential linked to biogenic materials as these relate to planetary boundaries. Full-scale reed structures have been tested and are presented as structural building elements and prefabricated cladding.

The project includes historical analyses, studies of radical building techniques, design for disassembly, craftsmanship and analyses of carbon emissions. Using reed as a building material serves sustainable building principles within the planetary boundaries whose key priorities are reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting circular thinking and environmental responsibility.