AM x Biogenic Materials – Exploring Strategic Options for 3D‑Printing Biobased Construction Materials
The project AM x Biogenic Materials builds upon the report developed by Danish AM Hub and its conclusion of the potential for a wider use of additive manufacturing within construction, particularly with biobased materials.
One of the main theses from the report is that Danish producers of biobased building materials could potentially improve product functionality and generate economic synergies by adopting additive manufacturing as a method.
To further investigate this thesis Smith Innovation and purpose@heart was hired to conduct an analysis of the potentials of using AM to scale the use of biogenic materials within construction and to identify possible strategic directions to take.
In the project, Smith
- identified Danish producers of biogenic materials through market mapping,
- conducted interviews with producers of (biogenic) building materials,
- carried out analysis of data,
- identified opportunities and barriers for the integration of biobased materials in constriction,
- identified strategic recommendations and potential initiatives,
- planned and facilitated a workshop with identified key stakeholders,
- reported to AM Hub regularly,
- described and presented results.
The construction industry is facing increasing demands to reduce its environmental impact. The use of bio-based materials instead of conventional, mineral-based materials can reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources and help lower emissions by storing CO2 within buildings, preventing its release into the atmosphere. The strategy of using bio-based materials is one of many, and it is important to emphasize that this strategy - although exiting - can neither stand alone nor be relied upon exclusively.
Image: Gregori Civera - from the Danish AM Hub report
