RE-GROWTH - Bio-fabricated regenerative materials for sustainable, climate-resilient and beautiful construction
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Abstract
Re-Growth redefines sustainable construction through bio-fabrication, creating a new generation of safe, circular, and aesthetically inspiring construction materials. It addresses systemic gaps in the built environment by merging biotechnology, digital design, and participatory innovation within a transdisciplinary framework that unites science, engineering, and the arts to deliver a validated, scalable, and socially accepted bio-fabrication ecosystem. Re-Growth develops three re-fabricated construction materials (A) mycelium-based composites for interior acoustic and thermal applications; B) non-structural bio-fabricated polymer materials functionalised as fire-resistant coatings and aerated foams; and C) structural bio-fabricated polymer construction materials, as reinforced laminates and sandwich panels for façades, floors, and wall systems.
The methodology builds on four interconnected pillars: 1) Participatory co-creation and transdisciplinary design integrating citizens, designers, and industry under the NEB principles of Together, Sustainable, and Beautiful; 2)Experimental development and validation of innovative bio-fabricated materials through iterative testing of mechanical, thermal, acoustic, fire, and durability performance; 3) Integrated sustainability, circularity, and aesthetic assessment using LCSA, SSbD criteria, and societal perception analysis; and 4) Feasibility of mass-scale production through AI-assisted, robotic foaming, and BIM-integrated manufacturing for industrial replication. The 4 public demonstrations link laboratory validation (TRL5) with citizen engagement, sensory evaluation, and design dialogue, fostering cultural transformation and market readiness. By uniting science, design, and community, Re-Growth establishes a replicable framework for bio-fabricated construction materials, advancing Europe’s transition toward circular, inclusive, and beautiful built environments in line with the Green Deal and NEB principles.
People involved
- Fabio Favoino (Principal Investigator)
- Magda Bolzoni (Component of the research team)
- Stefano Fantucci (Component of the research team)
- Matteo Fasano (Component of the research team)
- Isabella Maria Lami (Component of the research team)
- Riccardo Pollo (Component of the research team)
- Valentina Serra (Component of the research team)
- Louena Shtrepi (Component of the research team)
- Andrea Bocco (Responsabile Scientifico di Struttura)
Structures
Partners
- DRAXIS ENVIRONMENTAL S.A. - Coordinator
- POLITECNICO DI TORINO - AMMINISTRAZIONE CENTRALE
Keywords
ERC sectors
Sustainable Development Goals
Budget
| Total cost: | € 4,974,716.25 |
|---|---|
| Total contribution: | € 4,974,716.25 |
| PoliTo total cost: | € 723,000.00 |
| PoliTo contribution: | € 723,000.00 |