A collection of materials that have either been shortlisted or successfully used in projects by Buro Happold.
This collection brings together materials from forward-thinking manufacturers, focusing on creating practical, low-impact solutions for the built environment by repurposing waste and surplus materials. Each of these companies has contributed unique products that align with modern construction needs while incorporating recycled or upcycled content.
Below, we explore contributions from BC Materials, BEWI, Dinesen, Fischer Lighting, Hercal Diggers, Impact Acoustic, Sappa, Terraversa, Wood Tube, Isoltex, and others, arranged by macro-categories.
BC Materials showcases its expertise in earth-based materials, offering versatile solutions like Clay Plaster, Clay Paint, and Rammed Earth Mix. These materials combine natural aesthetics with functional benefits, such as regulating humidity and improving thermal insulation. Products like the Clay Plaster coloured in cream, grey, or brown tones exemplify the adaptability and simplicity of earth-based construction, ideal for creating breathable and comfortable indoor environments.
Terraversa focuses on construction using TERRA-Bloc series. These earth bricks provide excellent thermal mass and low embodied carbon, making them suitable for energy-efficient and climate-responsive designs.
BEWI delivers an impressive range of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation products that balance energy efficiency with performance. The Greenline EPS Norway series, including products from Fredrikstad, Søgne, and RE80 Denmark, showcases low Global Warming Potential (GWP) values like 0.573 kgCO₂e/m² for Greenline RE80. These solutions provide high insulation quality while incorporating recycled content and minimising environmental impact.
Ekovilla’s offerings focus on lightweight and efficient insulation options. The Ekovilla Loose Fibre Insulation stands out for its negative GWP value of -1.230 kgCO₂e/kg, showcasing its carbon sequestration potential. Additionally, the Ekovilla Slab combines thermal performance with a low environmental footprint, helping projects achieve higher energy efficiency.
Isoltex specialises in lightweight textile-based insulation products like the IGNITEX / PLAFOTEX. These solutions provide excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation, contributing to safer and more energy-efficient buildings.
Impact Acoustic’s innovative materials include ARCHISONIC® Felt, a sound-absorbing product made from recycled PET. With a GWP of 0.920 kgCO₂e/m², this material not only enhances acoustic performance but also contributes to responsible material use in interiors.
Sappa produces high-performing acoustic panels that are ideal for reducing noise in various spaces. These panels combine durability with a focus on material reuse, offering a responsible choice for acoustic comfort.
Dinesen’s commitment to circular practices is reflected in its range of wood products, such as Layers Douglas, Layers Oak, and Layers Ash. These 19mm thick reclaimed wood panels not only offer a luxurious, natural aesthetic but also support carbon storage in construction. With a GWP as low as -10.100 kgCO₂e/m², these materials are a strong choice for projects aiming to minimise environmental footprints while retaining timeless elegance.
Pretty Plastic transforms post-consumer PVC into durable facade tiles. The Basic Third Facade Tile, crafted from 100% recycled PVC, offers modern aesthetics with a GWP of 27.841 kgCO₂e/m². This innovation demonstrates the potential for waste materials to play a pivotal role in construction.
Recoma’s PackWall, made from post-consumer waste, supports a circular economy with its low GWP of -10.600 kgCO₂e/m². These high-performing panels redefine durability and environmental responsibility.
Fischer Lighting offers innovative lighting solutions by incorporating reuse into its manufacturing. Products such as the Lighting systems – Natural History – ReUse demonstrate how high performance and environmental responsibility can align. With a GWP of 35.300 kgCO₂e/unit, these systems provide efficient and environmentally conscious lighting options.
Hercal Diggers promotes circular construction through its Áridos reciclados, seleccionados y lavados (Recycled Aggregates derived from construction site waste). With a GWP of just 0.003 kgCO₂e/kg, these aggregates support resource efficiency by using recycled materials for structural applications in construction.
Wood Tube offers a unique solution with the Wood Tube Stud, a stud made from recycled cardboard. With a GWP of -0.898 kgCO₂e/m, this product highlights the potential of engineered paper for low-impact construction.
Whether through the use of earth-based construction techniques, recycled materials, or advanced insulation technologies, these manufacturers are addressing key challenges in modern construction.
Explore this collection to discover materials that not only meet technical demands but also contribute to a more thoughtful and efficient approach to building design.
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