The article “Biomimicry: Using Nature-Inspired Design for Energy-Efficient Buildings” by Camille Rustici delves into the innovative field of biomimicry in construction, highlighting the groundbreaking work of the Singapore-based company bioSEA. The piece focuses on how bioSEA is pioneering the development of building tiles inspired by the skin of elephants, specifically tailored for the tropical climate of Singapore. This novel approach to construction material design exemplifies the concept of biomimicry, where natural designs and processes are emulated to solve human challenges in a sustainable manner.
Design Inspiration and Process: The design of the tiles is based on elephant skin patterns. bioSEA developed various algorithms to create multiple patterns, resulting in a range of designs that optimize energy efficiency by considering factors like the sun’s angle.
Material Innovation: The tiles are made from diverse materials, including cement, concrete, clay, mycelium, and 3D-printed biodegradable plastics (PLA). The company also experiments with sustainable practices by repurposing waste products like discarded clay from construction sites, food waste, and coffee grounds.
Energy Efficiency: The tiles have been shown to reduce energy usage by up to 20%. Depending on their application and the number of tiles used, they can also decrease indoor temperatures by several degrees, contributing significantly to the building’s overall energy efficiency. The tiles are designed to be strategically placed on building facades, especially those facing the sun, to achieve maximum efficiency. Different designs result in a range of heat flux reductions, from 20% to as high as 70%. BioSEA employs both conventional molding and more advanced 3D printing techniques to create the tiles. The choice of production method depends on the material used and the desired level of detail in the final product.
Currently, the production of these tiles is relatively expensive due to labor costs in Singapore and the customization involved. However, bioSEA is exploring ways to scale up production and potentially manufacture in a cheaper country to reduce costs. These tiles can be used in both new constructions and as part of existing buildings, offering a versatile solution for improving building efficiency and aesthetics. Industry Reception: Architects and designers have expressed excitement about the performance and aesthetic improvements offered by these tiles. There’s ongoing discussion about their installation process and potential indoor applications.