by Emma Kampouraki
For thousands of years, the only true driving force of life on Earth has been evolution. Among the population of every species, only those with the strongest characteristics survive, leading them to selectively pass on these characteristics to their ascendants, in an attempt to adapt better to the changing environment.
Humans, having evolved as a result of the same process, are now taking nature as an example for the construction of their own habitat. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet the Founder and Director of Innovation at Biohm in a Pint of Science event. Biohm could – and may – have been derived from the combination of bio and home; otherwise construction using natural materials. Mostly considered as waste nowadays, organic matter is well re-used in nature, through a process facilitated by decomposers; organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, absorbing nutrients for their own growth and development. Could we do the same with our homes?
Ehab Sayed from Biohm says yes. The company collects organic waste and holistically sustainable natural materials (which sometimes include organisms, for example fungi) and turns them into building materials, which are satisfactorily durable and stable for a number of years before they are replaced (for free) with new ones. Durability is mainly down to the specific material or mixture of materials used, and stability depends on the particular structures constructed. Their novel and revolutionary construction system is called Triagomy and is basically the way they assemble the materials together which gives them great stability and the ability to be self-assembled. The team consists of researchers, engineers, architects and experts in circular economy and sustainability. The perfect blend for green buildings and the advent of the recycled construction industry.
If we can convince ourselves to think out of the box, use what we have effectively and respect the environment as a priority, we will ultimately facilitate and speed up evolution in our own habitat. Evolution will bring growth and better adaptation. More importantly, it will solve the problems of plastic pollution, waste management, toxic construction materials and deteriorating health in Earth’s ageing population.
Declaration: This is a non-sponsored blog, inspired by a novel idea for a circular economy and recycle, facilitated by scientific knowledge.