The research examines the potential of surface texture to increase the experiential and ecological performance of coastal defence structures such as seawalls. It develops a method for utilizing physical and Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation tools to creatively design the interaction of sea waves with coastal structures. The experimental setup tests simplified textured surfaces in a physical wave flume, to develop a basic understanding of the parameters that shape texture-induced fluid motion. The test results are used to calibrate and validate a digital wave flume, with the aim of facilitating research into texture design in coastal environments.

3D printing with earth-based materials is emerging as a sustainable building method; however, challenges remain regarding strength, thermal performance, and both logistical and environmental viability. This study aims to optimize the passive thermal performance and facilitate the industrial applicability of printed envelopes through advanced material and geometric design; implementing a mass-customizable computational toolpath framework, and refining the printing processing parameters. The design approach is guided by experimental exploration and the integration of state-of-the-art knowledge.

The results present a high-strength material mix with over 55 vol% fiber-content, including fibers several centimeters in length, printed using an 8 mm nozzle outlet. The medium-resolution printing method balances efficiency, shape accuracy, and thermal performance. Mechanical tests showed that small, lab-cast specimens achieved compressive strengths of up to 10.6 MPa, surpassing typical cob-like materials. Likewise, thermal conductivity measurements of approximately 0.35–0.37 W/m·K confirm the material's potential for passive temperature regulation. Furthermore, by segmenting the wall into repeatable yet customizable units and integrating cavities and ventilation channels, the system can be adapted to different building sizes, performance requirements, and assembly methods. Full-scale prototypes were printed to evaluate the applicability in buildings. While load-bearing capacity remains limited, results suggest that 3D-printed earth-fiber walls up to 30 cm thick can achieve simulated U-values of approximately 0.8–0.9 W/m²·K. These findings demonstrate that engineered fiber-earth composites, combined with strategic toolpath design, can enhance both mechanical and thermal performance in earthen construction.

Urbanization causes habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss, factors often overlooked in traditional nature-based solutions that prioritize human-centric benefits. In response, ecologically inclusive design approaches, such as multispecies building envelopes, have emerged to support cohabitation between human and other-than-human stakeholders. To facilitate these interactions, this paper presents a computational hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model that optimizes and evaluates ecological building envelopes. Integrating multi-objective and multi-attribute decision-making techniques into parametric workflows, the model optimizes schematic envelope alternatives using ecologically informed performance indicators. A case study applied to a generic building typology in a Mediterranean climate demonstrates the model's ability to negotiate contextual objectives such as visual comfort, material use, energy performance, and ecological suitability. Tested under varied multispecies stakeholder priority scenarios and compared to a benchmark non-vegetated envelope, the optimized alternatives complied with local window-to-wall ratio regulations while distributing up to 1339.8 m³ of soil coverage. These configurations reduced summer solar radiation by more than 70 % through self-shading and enhanced multispecies interactions by increasing proxies for plant species presence and climbing animal connectivity on the envelope. Model accuracy was validated using cross-platform comparison (MAE <2.7E-07; RMSE <3.1E-07), and sensitivity analysis confirmed ranking robustness. While limitations include ecological simplifications and durability assumptions, the model offers a practical and adaptable interdisciplinary tool for integrating ecological knowledge into early-stage design decision-making for holistically sustainable solutions.

A method of preparing a composition comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles is described herein. The method comprises inoculating a liquid medium with fungus, the liquid medium comprising nutrients and the cellulose and/or nanoparticles. Further described herein are compositions comprising mycelium along with a cellulose and/or plurality of nanoparticles, as well as articles-of-manufacture comprising such a composition, wherein at least 10% of the cellulose and/or nanoparticles in the composition is incorporated within the mycelium. A method of enhancing fungal growth is also described, comprising contacting the fungus with a liquid medium comprising a polymer which comprises carboxylic acid groups.

Disclosed is a method of fabricating a construction element. The method may include assembling a mold on a rotational casting machine; rotating the mold around at least two axes at a predetermined speed; providing a first portion of magnesium silico-phosphate cement (MSPC) mix, having an altered hardening rate, to the mold while rotating the mold until at least a portion of the mold's walls is covered by a first layer of the MSPC mix; and rotating the mold until the MSPC mix is hardened to a predetermined degree.

This paper studies the effect of trees and living walls designs in the urban environment, as a measure for increasing biodiversity and enhancing urban air quality. The chosen location is a neighborhood plot in the Mediterranean climate of Tel Aviv, with vibrant pedestrian activity. Simulations are performed using the urban pollution dispersion tool in ENVI-met, for a high-traffic and a low-traffic inner city road, with a focus on airborne particle matter (PM) concentrations. Results depict a winter day that air quality standards were moderate. The different scenarios, with and without trees, and different % of living wall designs and vegetative volumes brought about considerable reductions in airborne PM concentrations. However, the reductions still failed to reach WHO recommended air quality standards. Results point out towards a more holistic framework of green infrastructure strategies that may also include green walls, bicycle routes, less vehicle access, and more.

Urbanisation catalyses environmental degradation, leading to reduced ecosystem services and compromised human well-being. To mitigate negative anthropogenic impacts, cities draw on sustainable and resilient design strategies. Among these solutions are green envelopes, which are highly beneficial in densely populated environments. However, existing sustainability methods lack a comprehensive framework to holistically evaluate the influence of green building envelopes. This paper introduces a computational method for the holistic sustainability evaluation of green envelopes, focusing on climate change and material usage impacts through strategic indicators. By employing a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model, our method facilitates the generation and selection of optimised design alternatives aimed at enhancing environmental resilience. We examine the trade-offs between alternatives, prioritising various objectives related to architectural and sustainability performances. The results show that accounting for climate change and material use impacts enhanced trade-offs between design alternatives without compromising key architectural considerations. This research provides valuable insights for resilient envelope designs amidst rising urban environmental complexities.

Contemporary building envelopes primarily rely on repetitive elements that fulfill mainly a singular purpose, a barrier between interior and exterior spaces. Implementing building envelopes featuring intricate geometries and non-repetitive tiles can significantly enhance the environmental performance of the structure. However, the current manufacturing processes for the required moulds are plagued by high costs, time consumption, labor-intensiveness, and mainly by using non-recyclable moulds. To address these challenges, the paper presents an innovative solution for designing and fabricating building envelope tiles with complex geometries by employing stay-in-place 3D knitted moulds. The moulds are digitally fabricated using innovative knitting procedures implemented on an industrial flat double-bed machine. The paper presents preliminary research outcomes, including a new digital design methodology for creating knitted moulds and a new fabrication method for buildings' envelope tiles.

Extrusion-based 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) involves developing novel material mixtures that incorporate local geo-materials. Given that clay minerals and silt are major causes of soil variability, this study focuses on the fine fraction of soil to facilitate purpose-oriented design, classification, and standardization. We begin with an overview of current research in the field and general information about clays. Subsequently, we establish an evaluation methodology, examining various clay–sand mix ratios, along with locally sourced material to gain general insights into the material’s clay-dependent macro-printability characteristics. The findings are then correlated and discussed in relation to the microcharacteristics of the clays, emphasizing the significance of both intraparticle and interparticle swelling for strength and cohesiveness. Factors such as swelling ability, and charge, which may be reflected by pH, are pivotal for strength; while the quantity of clay and its interparticle swelling ability, denoted by the plasticity index (PI), delineate cohesiveness, which is essential for pumpability and extrudability. Furthermore, the presence of organic material and other minerals is observed to have a significant impact on these properties.

Projected global rise in sea level and intensification of storms place the shoreline at risk, requiring extensive investment in coastal defence infrastructure. These structures are designed to efficiently dissipate wave energy at the expense of ecological and landscape values. The aim of the research is to establish a multifunctional approach to coastal infrastructure. Within this framework, it proposes a method for utilising simulation tools to creatively shape the interaction of sea waves with coastal structures for scenic and ecological benefits. It sets two primary goals: to establish that computational fluid dynamics tools can be used by architects to design the interaction of sea-waves with solid surfaces. This goal is explored by creating a digital simulation of a physical wave flume facility, and running physical experiments to calibrate the virtual simulation tool. Secondly, it uses these tools to systematically explore the range of possibilities latent in wave-structure interaction by initiating basic research into the flow properties of different types of textured surfaces to improve the aesthetic and ecological performance of such structures.