NZGBC Future Thinkers panel discussion: A future for biomaterials in construction

Students, staff and professionals gathered at Te Aro campus to hear from industry-expert panellists, Kelly McClean, Stuart Coats, Maggie MacKinnon, and Ged Finch, on the latest developments in biomaterials and their place in the construction industry.

Panellists discussed the challenges and benefits of biomaterials and the circular economy in relation to their products, research, and experiences.

First to speak was Maggie Mackinnon, a Victoria University of Wellington teaching fellow and PhD candidate. With an interdisciplinary background in biology and architecture, MacKinnon’s research and interest lies in the benefits of regenerative building practices and improving the relationship between the natural and built environment.

Mackinnon spoke on the benefits of biophilic materials in built environments.

Mackinnon describes a biophilic material as “something that’s trying to foster those connections between people and nature, […] they can be plants and animals, or water features, also natural materials.”

Mackinnon discussed examples of schools, hospitals, and workplaces where the implementation of biophilic materials benefitted attention spans, anxiety levels, fatigue, and wellbeing.

MC Maria Walker, graduate of the Master of Architecture programme and NZGBC Future Thinker of the Year extended this point.“

When we have materials which emulate that natural patina texture that makes it look like it’s natural and not synthetic, it can have those positive impacts which is really exciting”.

A significant topic of discussion was the unreliability of biomaterials to maintain a consistent look or colour, and how this poses problems for clients in comparison to synthetic materials.

Founder of X-frame and Architecture PhD candidate Ged Finch stated, “clients will be looking for a particular consistency of colour or texture of the material. And with second hand materials or even new materials, that is very, very hard to achieve”.

Stuart Coats, architectural consultant at T&R interior Systems, producers of Floc (wool acoustic tiles and wall linings) argued, “Wool just doesn’t give you that same consistency. […] That’s the beauty of it. That’s what we love about it, in fact, each thing is unique”.

The reversibility and biodegradability of Floc opens conversations for circular stewardship programs that address the systemic waste issues in construction and demolition.

Kelly McClean, manager Aurecon’s Sustainability and Climate Change team and specialist in the circular economy, holds an extensive background in materials, design and research. McClean argued for the development of sustainability practices over time.

“We’ve got a long way to go but that’s a good thing - to be sustainable is actually an ongoing process, not a label.”

All panellists agreed sustainable practice and biomaterials have a significant place in the construction industry. It is an exciting time to be developing biomaterials and contributing towards the circular economy.

Future Thinkers would like to thank Warren and Mahoney, Mott MacDonald and Resene for sponsoring this event, and to Victoria University of Wellington for hosting.