Digital earth-fibre craft inspired by traditional basketry

Building with natural materials has proven to be a sustainable approach in addressing the needs of affordable and healthy housing and improving living conditions in informal settlements in an era of ecological transition. In view of this, the use of bamboo as a building material is considered a promising practice. However, although many traditional building techniques incorporate the use of bamboo, its application in contemporary informal settlements is disputed. This interdisciplinary study critically explores the social and cultural factors limiting the use of bamboo in a contemporary context by investigating housing perceptions and practices in an informal settlement in Colombia. Results show how the combined effect of cultural globalization, modernization, and the standardization of construction practices have marginalized and are now devaluing traditional knowledge on natural local building materials. Structured observations and in-depth interviews reveal that inhabitants’ refusal of the local bamboo building tradition, their representation of bamboo as an unsafe and temporary material, and their choices of less sustainable contemporary building materials, are better understood by situating these preferences within the complex system of the community’s imaginary. These social representations validate housing behaviors for their symbolic implications rather than for their actual consequences on livability, comfort, and overall dwelling quality. The study also discusses the limits of policies promoting natural building materials in housing when exclusively focusing on technical performance, while neglecting the prevailing impact of the cultural domain on housing preferences and behaviors.

Natural building materials are critical to the future of a decarbonized built environment. Involving low-carbon and readily available materials such as clay-richsoils and plant fibers in building processes employ a range of techniques, and hence, a range of environmental and visual features, from rammed earth to cob and light straw clay. However, despite their advantages, natural materials are not represented in mainstream construction, perceived mistakenly as poor in theirperformance, low-tech, and are missing representation in training for building professionals. This research develops a digital representations-study of naturalmaterial futures and their associated embodied carbon. It links, for the first time, computational play, and critical data with traditional recipes of designing with natural materials. A digital tool for sustainable engagement was developed by utilizing a geological database of locally available soil-based repositories. As an exploratory design tool, it was tested through 24 playtests for its mechanics, graphical user interface, and perception shifts among designers and researchers. The final outcome seeks to establish a digital foundation for a more comprehensive earthen materials knowledge tool and life-cycle assessment. As a final deliverable, this work aims to unveil the strength of simulative material representations in heightening the knowledge base of an overlooked, historic, and sustainable practice.

<p>Medium density housing can be built sustainably using natural materials. These homes are healthy to live in and have minimal impact on the environment. Increasing demand, diminishing available land, climate change and unsustainable building practices all contribute to a growing housing crisis. The list of manufactured materials such as asbestos, PVC and formaldehyde, that are hazardous to us and our planet continues to grow. Many modern homes are not fit for purpose, being poorly insulated, damp mould inducing toxic buildings, recognised as a major contributor to poor health, and being detrimental in their manufacture to the environment. Until recently, natural building materials, perceived as inferior to modern manufactured products, have been considered unsuitable for modern building. The RADIUS¹ solution cycle is developed from this research as an organised design led process. Research driven by design, then through Analysis and Discussion, Inform Design, so as to Utilise new findings to Solve the conundrum. Historically, natural material structures last for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. Just as ancient history can show us the way with materials, perhaps recent history can suggest answers to better medium density design, the hexagon is trialed here as one possible alternative site configuration. Global interest in natural materials in developed countries is growing, the higher labour cost is no longer considered problematic, being offset by the significant material cost and environmental impact savings, health benefits and an estimated building life expectancy exceeding 200 years. New Zealand as an advocate of healthy living and conservation of nature should lead the world by example in this field in which it is currently under-represented. A composite wall and floor of straw, clay, aggregate, sand and lime is readily available, renewable, sustainable and works synergistically to maintain correct moisture levels and inhibit mould. I present two housing developments as proof of concept that natural building materials offer new typologies and a healthy sustainabale way forward.</p>

<p>Medium density housing can be built sustainably using natural materials. These homes are healthy to live in and have minimal impact on the environment. Increasing demand, diminishing available land, climate change and unsustainable building practices all contribute to a growing housing crisis. The list of manufactured materials such as asbestos, PVC and formaldehyde, that are hazardous to us and our planet continues to grow. Many modern homes are not fit for purpose, being poorly insulated, damp mould inducing toxic buildings, recognised as a major contributor to poor health, and being detrimental in their manufacture to the environment. Until recently, natural building materials, perceived as inferior to modern manufactured products, have been considered unsuitable for modern building. The RADIUS¹ solution cycle is developed from this research as an organised design led process. Research driven by design, then through Analysis and Discussion, Inform Design, so as to Utilise new findings to Solve the conundrum. Historically, natural material structures last for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. Just as ancient history can show us the way with materials, perhaps recent history can suggest answers to better medium density design, the hexagon is trialed here as one possible alternative site configuration. Global interest in natural materials in developed countries is growing, the higher labour cost is no longer considered problematic, being offset by the significant material cost and environmental impact savings, health benefits and an estimated building life expectancy exceeding 200 years. New Zealand as an advocate of healthy living and conservation of nature should lead the world by example in this field in which it is currently under-represented. A composite wall and floor of straw, clay, aggregate, sand and lime is readily available, renewable, sustainable and works synergistically to maintain correct moisture levels and inhibit mould. I present two housing developments as proof of concept that natural building materials offer new typologies and a healthy sustainabale way forward.</p>

As building materials are known to be the second source regarding high radon concentrations, it is very important to determine the amounts of natural radionuclides from every building material in use. In the present study the most frequently used Romanian natural (sand, gypsum, limestone) and artificial (portland cement, lime, clinker, electrofilter powder, fly ash, cement-lime plaster mortar, cement plaster mortar) building materials were analyzed. The absorbed dose rate and the annual effective dose equivalent rate for people living in dwelling buildings made of these building materials under investigation were also calculated. The analysis was performed with gamma-ray spectrometry, with two hyper-pure germanium detectors. The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were in the ranges: 5.2–511.8 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra; 0.6–92.6 Bq kg−1 for 232Th and <1–1,720.7 Bq kg−1 for 40K, respectively. The radium equivalent activity in the fifty-one (51) samples varied from 9 to 603 Bq kg−1. By calculating all the radioactivity indices (Raeq, Hext, Iα, Iyr) it was found that all the building materials under investigation can be used to erect dwelling buildings. Except for sample SA6, SA7 and SA11 among the natural building materials and sample SG1, SG2, FAH1, CLM1, CM1 among the artificial building materials that are considered hazardous materials when are used in large quantities.

This research focuses on the investigation of durability behavior and microstructural analysis for M70 grade of high-strength concrete (HSC) with the influence of alccofine, banana fiber (BF), and coir fiber (CF). In this investigation, cement was partly supplanted by 15% of alccofine content in weight. Two types of natural fibers, banana and coir fibers, were selected and added in concrete at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by volume. Durability characteristics, such as long-term compressive performance, rapid chloride penetration, sorptivity, water absorption, volume of permeable voids, and acid attack resistance are investigated elaborately and correlate with conventional HSC. Results showed that the incorporation of banana and coir fibers with alccofine in HSC exhibited good durability performance as correlated with conventional HSC. At 180 days of curing, incorporating 1% of banana fiber increased the durability performance compared to reference HSC. Nonetheless, the high-fiber percentage of HSC has a slight reduction in durability characteristics. Among the two types of fibers, the banana fiber showed the most significant improvement in the durability properties of HSC. The influence of natural fiber on the microstructural characteristics of HSC was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) to substantiate the experimental findings. In contrast, using additional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in HSC fabrication significantly reduces cement usage and carbon emissions.

The concepts of “green building” and “sustainable construction” have received tremendous interest in North America in the past decade, as shown by the growth in the numbers of L.E.E.D.™ certified projects (Kibert 2005). Parallel to this has been a growing interest in “natural,” “vernacular,” or “traditional” building materials and techniques. Examples of these include straw bale construction and rammed earth construction. From an environmental point of view, these materials offer a low embodied energy and low embodied carbon alternative to conventional building materials such as concrete and steel (Woolley 2006, Walker 2007). In the case of straw bale construction, use is made of a waste material with excellent insulation properties. Other benefits of many natural materials include their ability to passively regulate humidity in a building, reduced toxicity, high thermal mass, and biodegradability at the end of life (Walker 2007). There remain many barriers to the use of natural building materials in the mainstream construction industry, including a lack of scientific data to quantify their true performance (Woolley 2006) and lack of experience by the mainstream construction industry in using these materials. This leads to the perception that these materials are low-tech and have poor performance. This perception, however, is changing. There is a growing body of research that is quantifying the performance of natural building materials and showing that they can compete with conventional building materials. There are also some excellent recent examples of the integration of natural building materials in mainstream construction projects. This paper describes three natural building material products that have been successfully integrated into mainstream construction projects in the United Kingdom: straw bale panels by ModCell; a hemp-lime composite called “hemcrete” and marketed by Tradical; and, rammed earth and unfired clay bricks. The information in this paper is based on interviews and site inspections undertaken by the author during February 2008. Some of the research supporting the use of these products will be described. Finally, some lessons and cautions for the use of these products in North America will be discussed. A caveat regarding the limitations of this paper is in order. This paper does not claim to be an exhaustive review of natural building materials and their performance. Other references should be consulted for more details on thermal or fire performance, for example.

Women all around the world use sanitary napkins for menstrual protection. In India only small percentage of women uses sanitary napkins. The main reason for such a low number relates to the affordability of sanitary napkins for people and sanitary napkins available now are non-biodegradable and also cause severe infections which in result affects the women’s health. To overcome this challenge, sanitary bio napkins are now made from natural fibres and cotton which are readily available, biodegradable and cost effective. Another perk of using the natural materials was their characteristics like porosity, quick absorption of fluid and its retention capacity of blood for longer time. The alternative to commercially supplied pads is environmentally friendly plant fibres. Plant fibres are lignocellulosic fibres composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and other polymers. Plant fibres are suitable alternative to commercial sanitary napkin because of its abundance, biodegradability, non-irritant and chemical free, environmental friendliness properties. Emphasis is given to use naturally available absorbents fibres such as banana fibres made from pseudo-stem waste which is usually dumped in open lands leading to soil pollution, also they are they are biodegradable and widely available in nature having low carbon footprint which not only makes it ecofriendly but also reduces the cost of sanitary pad. In present study use of banana fibre and cotton as absorbent core, cotton non-woven fabric spun-lace (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic), PE (polyethylene sheet) as a barrier which prevent leakage of blood and porous sheet as top layer which absorbs blood readily to develop our semi-biodegradable sanitary napkin. Extraction of banana fibre from banana pseudo-stem and alkaline treatment, grinding, drying, pulverization of banana fibre was done respectively to obtain banana fibre pulp from it and further use it as the absorbent core of napkin. The tests were performed for understanding that sanitary napkins developed are up to standard levels of commercially supplied pads. The tests performed were absorbency capacity, leakage test, strike rate and pH test. Hence, the developed napkin is semi- biodegradable.

This study examines the psychological effects of natural versus synthetic building materials in interior environments, with a particular focus on emotional regulation, stress response, and perceived spatial comfort. As contemporary interior design increasingly incorporates engineered polymers, composite panels, and artificial surface finishes, questions have emerged regarding how material composition influences human cognitive and affective responses. Drawing upon theories of biophilic design, environmental psychology, and neuroarchitecture, this research investigates whether natural materials such as wood and stone elicit measurably different psychological and physiological reactions compared to synthetic materials including PVC, epoxy, and laminated composites.An experimental mixed-method design was employed. Participants were exposed to controlled interior simulations featuring identical spatial configurations differentiated only by material composition. Psychological responses were assessed using validated affective scales, while physiological indicators including heart rate variability and salivary cortisol were recorded to measure stress activation. The results indicate that interiors dominated by natural materials significantly reduced reported stress levels, increased perceived warmth and safety, and improved attentional stability. In contrast, synthetic-dominated environments were associated with higher arousal levels and reduced emotional comfort, particularly in prolonged exposure scenarios.The findings suggest that material selection in interior architecture extends beyond aesthetic and functional considerations, exerting measurable influence on human well-being. By integrating material science with environmental psychology, this study contributes empirical evidence to support biologically informed design strategies in contemporary architectural practice.

Many characteristics of the natural environment where Rome has developed for the last 3000 years have played a major positive role in promoting the excellence of Rome as a political, economic and administrative power, the so-called Caput Mundi of the ancient world. Aside from anthropological and ethnological factors, the positive geological and geomorphological setting of the future site of Rome favoured the settlement of several archaic villages along the left bank of the Tiber River since the beginning of the third millennium B.P. The sites were strategically located, being characterized by proximity to the river, over isolated tufaceous cliffs dominating the alluvial plain, the abundance of spring water and the wide availability of stones and natural building material that promoted a quick technological development of building and infrastuctural services to the growing town. The main natural factors playing a strategic role in the development of the long-lived city of Rome have been: - The geomorphology of the distal volcanic plateau - Tiber river network and the related alluvial deposits - The surface geology and its natural materials - The hydrogeology and microclimatic constraints

This research is a developmental study that utilizes banana sheath, a natural agricultural waste material from the community, to develop green walls for interior decoration. The research objectives are to study the utilization of banana sheaths by the Ban Huakhuai community's banana rope weaving group, located in Khutao Sub-district, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and to examine the material properties of banana sheaths for their development into green walls. The research process involves the following steps: 1) Conduct a secondary data review through literature review, including relevant concepts and theories, to understand the context and feasibility of using banana sheaths. 2) Validate data on the design concepts of green walls from natural materials, production techniques, and the strength properties of banana sheaths to assess their potential for use. 3) Test the properties of banana sheath material, including strength, flexibility, and durability, to obtain accurate information for design purposes. 4) Develop a prototype of a green wall from banana sheaths. 5) Analyse and summarize the results to assess satisfaction with the green walls developed from banana sheaths. The study found that the fibers have a strength of 8.5 MPa and a flexibility of 15%, allowing for the design of lightweight green walls. The developed green wall can be easily installed; it is not complicated, and can support weight effectively. Evaluation results indicate that the green wall made from banana fibers is efficient for indoor use. The fibers are durable, flexible, and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. However, the lifespan of the materials should be considered, as natural materials tend to have a relatively short lifespan. Incorporating technology into the production process and material preservation could help extend the lifespan of these green walls. This research can be further applied to develop green walls from other natural materials and can be expanded to areas with banana cultivation or similar natural materials. Additionally, it promotes the optimal use of local resources, adds value to agricultural waste in the community, and contributes to sustainable local development.

This study investigates the potential of banana fiber as a natural reinforcement material for soil stabilization, specifically in conjunction with phosphogypsum. With construction often reliant on soils with inadequate bearing capacity and shear strength, enhancing soil properties is crucial. The research employs banana fibers extracted from the pseudo stems of banana plants, assessing their effects on soil characteristics at various reinforcement percentages (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%). Key parameters evaluated include Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS), Maximum Dry Density (MDD), and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) through standardized laboratory tests. The findings reveal that the inclusion of banana fibers significantly raises the OMC of the soil, indicating improved moisture retention capabilities. Notably, the OMC values for the reinforced samples increased with higher fiber content, peaking at 12.3% for Sample 1 and 13.5% for Sample 2 at 0.5% fiber. Additionally, the UCS tests demonstrated enhanced compressive strength, with the highest value recorded at 1.70 MPa for Sample 1 at 0.5% fiber content. These results suggest that banana fibers effectively improve the mechanical properties of soil, making it more suitable for construction applications. This research highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural waste, such as banana fibers, for sustainable soil stabilization practices, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.

Natural building materials offer a minimally processed, non-toxic, and community self-sufficient alternative to conventional building materials. Constructing with these materials maximizes the potentials of freely available resources, while engaging local communities, regardless of skills, including families and children. In this paper, a design-build methodology that fosters academic and community connections for building with earth is presented. Specifically, the presented teaching structure equips interdisciplinary teams of engineering and architecture students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on building experience of a range of natural materials for different climates. While making a sensitive choice of materials, technical details, and participatory processes, students collaborate with local communities to foster circular economy, create know-how to improve living conditions in the local context, and support a bottom-up form of capacity development. Hands-on workshops provide students with insights from field and give the opportunity to gain expertise of alternative building modes. The presented methodology resonates with current research on natural building materials that aims to enhance the performance, perception, and policy of these materials. The long-term implications these endeavors hope to achieve are the catalysis of low-carbon construction in community development and mainstream projects, as well as the development of a complete, safe, and user-friendly building guidelines and material standardization.

The aim of this study is to discuss creativity in designing digital media products. It especially looks at the differences between creativity in digital design and in print-based design. It also presents a brief description of the main characteristics and aspects of both creativity in design and creativity in digital design. Some definitions and methods in these areas are also reviewed. The impact that the differences in digital design and in print-based design can have on the designer’s creativity while designing projects is discussed, focusing on three differences: user-centred design approach, design guidelines, and designers’ knowledge of digital technology. This discussion raises three research questions related to creativity in digital design, which are briefly answered and suggested as subjects of further research.

The usage of natural materials is widely recognized, from the extensive resource potential, and low energy production to the possibilities of recycling in the building construction. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the correlation between the sustainable characteristics of the building material and its influence on the aesthetic experience, or the rather overlooked character of the material that significantly determines the spatial atmosphere and sensory perception of the architectural building. Precisely, to determine an interaction of criteria and indicators of materiality, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Natural building materials, besides providing a sustainable eco-friendly solution through a highly aesthetic appearance and material properties contribute to a multisensory experience, wellbeing, restorativeness, and human comfort. The application of natural materials in building construction recalls traditional principles enriched with contemporary demands, and resembles a conceptually expanded built natural environment that heightens the proven potential of this unlimited resource, from energy consumption to architectural experience. The integration of nature, environment, and overall natural resources into a symbiotic link with the architectural building is crucial, providing in that way a blurring between nature and architectural structure as an enhancement and richness of the sensory perception.