Abstract

This research delves into the transformative potential of living materials, emphasizing the significance of bio-based and nature-inspired innovations in advancing sustainable construction practices. Living materials, derived from renewable resources, such as mycelium, algae, and bamboo, offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional building materials, like concrete and steel, which are often resource-intensive and environmentally detrimental. This study explores the structural properties, ecological benefits, and practicality of these materials for widespread use, highlighting their potential to minimize environmental footprints while maintaining high performance. By integrating advanced technologies, such as bioengineering and 3D printing, the research addresses critical challenges, including material scalability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for their adoption in the construction industry. These technologies enable precise customization, reduced waste, and enhanced material properties, making living materials a viable choice for contemporary construction needs. Furthermore, this investigation aligns with global sustainability goals by fostering the development of a carbon-neutral and circular economy in the construction sector. This innovative approach not only seeks to redefine industry standards but also promotes the creation of resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure. Ultimately, the research contributes to a paradigm shift in the construction industry, offering insights into how living materials can enhance material performance, durability, and ecological harmony.

Keywords: Mycelium in construction, algae-based materials, 3D printing in construction, bamboo in architecture, carbon-neutral structures, renewable resources

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1. Jones R, Smith L, Brown M. Living materials in construction: a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. J Sustain Constr. 2021;18(2):203–221.
2. Shafigh P, Boussabaine H. Mycelium-based materials for construction: performance, challenges, and opportunities. Int J Build Mater. 2020;25(5):987–1005.
3. Zhao F, Li J, Xu Y. Algae-based bio-composites for sustainable construction: properties and applications. J Environ Mater. 2022;12(4):346–362.
4. Li Y, Zhang W. Bamboo in sustainable construction: a comprehensive review. Constr Build Mater. 2018;166:354–368.
5. Bocken N, Short S, de Pauw I. Circular economy and sustainable construction: a framework for integrating living materials. J Constr Waste Manag. 2021;39(3):215–232.
6. Mohamed A, Hassan A, Lee C. Bioengineering and 3D printing in the development of living materials for construction applications. J Eng Technol. 2022;15(6):145–160.
7. Cui H, Zhou T. Barriers and challenges in the large-scale adoption of living materials in construction. J Mater Sci Eng. 2021;29(1):34–45.
8. Wang Q, Zhang H, Yu Z. Innovations in living materials: future directions for sustainable construction. Adv Build Res. 2023;16(2):112–125.
9. Gibson J, Stevens R. Mycelium: a sustainable material for architecture and construction. J Green Archit. 2019;7(4):453–469.
10. Park M, Kim S, Lee J. Challenges in the use of bamboo as a sustainable material in construction: a review. Constr Res J. 2020;32(2):123–135.

Abstract

This research delves into the transformative potential of living materials, emphasizing the significance of bio-based and nature-inspired innovations in advancing sustainable construction practices. Living materials, derived from renewable resources, such as mycelium, algae, and bamboo, offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional building materials, like concrete and steel, which are often resource-intensive and environmentally detrimental. This study explores the structural properties, ecological benefits, and practicality of these materials for widespread use, highlighting their potential to minimize environmental footprints while maintaining high performance. By integrating advanced technologies, such as bioengineering and 3D printing, the research addresses critical challenges, including material scalability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for their adoption in the construction industry. These technologies enable precise customization, reduced waste, and enhanced material properties, making living materials a viable choice for contemporary construction needs. Furthermore, this investigation aligns with global sustainability goals by fostering the development of a carbon-neutral and circular economy in the construction sector. This innovative approach not only seeks to redefine industry standards but also promotes the creation of resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure. Ultimately, the research contributes to a paradigm shift in the construction industry, offering insights into how living materials can enhance material performance, durability, and ecological harmony.

Keywords: Mycelium in construction, algae-based materials, 3D printing in construction, bamboo in architecture, carbon-neutral structures, renewable resources

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Jones R, Smith L, Brown M. Living materials in construction: a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. J Sustain Constr. 2021;18(2):203–221.
2. Shafigh P, Boussabaine H. Mycelium-based materials for construction: performance, challenges, and opportunities. Int J Build Mater. 2020;25(5):987–1005.
3. Zhao F, Li J, Xu Y. Algae-based bio-composites for sustainable construction: properties and applications. J Environ Mater. 2022;12(4):346–362.
4. Li Y, Zhang W. Bamboo in sustainable construction: a comprehensive review. Constr Build Mater. 2018;166:354–368.
5. Bocken N, Short S, de Pauw I. Circular economy and sustainable construction: a framework for integrating living materials. J Constr Waste Manag. 2021;39(3):215–232.
6. Mohamed A, Hassan A, Lee C. Bioengineering and 3D printing in the development of living materials for construction applications. J Eng Technol. 2022;15(6):145–160.
7. Cui H, Zhou T. Barriers and challenges in the large-scale adoption of living materials in construction. J Mater Sci Eng. 2021;29(1):34–45.
8. Wang Q, Zhang H, Yu Z. Innovations in living materials: future directions for sustainable construction. Adv Build Res. 2023;16(2):112–125.
9. Gibson J, Stevens R. Mycelium: a sustainable material for architecture and construction. J Green Archit. 2019;7(4):453–469.
10. Park M, Kim S, Lee J. Challenges in the use of bamboo as a sustainable material in construction: a review. Constr Res J. 2020;32(2):123–135.