Innovating in Insulation: How the Concrete Additive Manufacturing Model Enables Natural and Locally Sourced Insulation Techniques with a Low Carbon Footprint?
Our mission was clear: to revolutionize insulation by utilizing natural and locally sourced techniques with a low carbon footprint. That's how, at Constructions-3D, we rediscovered linen, a material used in the Middle Ages, to insulate our buildings.
Linen: An Eco-Friendly Insulation Solution
The idea of using linen as insulation came to us when we were exploring locally available materials. That's when we discovered that linen, cultivated and processed by the La Linière cooperative with its 450 member producers, presented an incredible opportunity. Historically, linen was rarely used in construction, relegated to functions like bedding or litter. However, we saw immense potential: enough material to insulate up to 60,000 houses per year!
Constructions-3D Innovation: Unique Use of Linen
At Constructions-3D, reusing linen as wall fill is an innovation on our part. The precision of the cords made possible by 3D concrete printing makes this application achievable, a feat unattainable with traditional construction methods. We have adapted our buildings to accommodate this unique material, creating a continuous interior void between the 3D printed cords.
Comparison with Current Techniques
In comparison to traditional insulation materials, linen stands out due to its lack of petroleum-based products, abundant availability, and extremely low carbon footprint. The CO2 absorbed by linen plants during their growth remains trapped within the walls, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly insulation.
Looking to the Future and Regional Adaptability
This insulation technique is not just a solution for the Hauts-de-France region but an inspiration for the world. The goal is to adapt to each region by leveraging natural and locally available resources to fill the wall voids. Linen represents the ideal insulation for the homes of 2030 in our region and paves the way for similar innovations elsewhere.
At Constructions-3D, we don't just embrace innovative construction methods; we also reinvent materials and techniques for a more sustainable future. Linen, with its low environmental impact and local availability, perfectly embodies this vision. It's one more step towards environmentally friendly construction that is rooted in the resources of each region.