2. Biomimetic Domestic Buildings

Introduction

Biomimicry, the practice of taking inspiration from nature to solve human challenges, allows us to harness millions of years of evolution to develop optimised solutions. From waterproof materials to bacteria-repelling surfaces, biomimetics has proven its potential in various applications. As fossil fuel supplies dwindle and energy bills rise, biomimetic solutions offer an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of homes by mimicking natural processes to maintain a comfortable internal environment. This project challenges students to use nature’s principles to create energy-efficient systems for domestic buildings that could reduce energy consumption and costs for homeowners.

Task

Your team is tasked with designing a biomimetic system for UK homes that maintains a comfortable indoor environment with minimal energy use by reacting to a 48-hour weather forecast. Your system can be an off-the-shelf solution that can be retrofitted into existing homes or a novel building design. The design must be affordable, easy to maintain, and require minimal intervention from homeowners. Justify your design by referencing natural processes that have inspired your approach, ensuring that it is practical, cost-effective, easy to maintain, and sustainable.

Considerations

1. Technology
You will need to explore how natural processes can be translated into modern technology to maintain energy-efficient homes. Consider natural systems that regulate temperature, ventilation, and energy storage, and integrate these processes into your design for domestic applications.

Questions to consider:

• What natural processes can you mimic to regulate temperature, ventilation, or water conservation in homes?

• How can you apply biomimetic principles to reduce energy consumption in response to changing weather conditions?

• What materials or technologies inspired by nature can be used to enhance energy efficiency in domestic buildings?

2. Infrastructure
The biomimetic system must work within existing or modified household infrastructure. Consider the energy sources commonly used in UK homes and how your system will interact with them. Your system should integrate easily with standard utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.

Questions to consider:

• How will your system integrate with existing energy sources and utilities in UK homes?

• Can your system be easily retrofitted into current buildings, or does it require new construction?

• How will homeowners interact with the system, and how much input is required for its operation?

3. Market Factors
Your solution must be cost-effective and feasible for homeowners. Consider market trends in energy-saving technologies and the potential appeal of biomimetic systems to consumers. The system should be affordable and offer long-term savings in energy costs.

Questions to consider:

• What makes your biomimetic solution competitive in the market of energy-efficient systems for homes?

• How long will it take for energy savings to outweigh the initial cost of installation?

• What are the potential barriers to market adoption, and how can they be addressed?

4. Safety, Security, and Risks
Consider any safety and security risks associated with the installation and operation of your system. The design must comply with local safety regulations and standards to ensure that it is safe for domestic use. Additionally, consider potential risks posed by failure or mismanagement of the system.

Questions to consider:

• How will your system ensure safety and security in the home environment?

• What potential risks are associated with the installation and operation of your system, and how will they be mitigated?

• How will your design meet safety standards and regulations in the UK?

5. Project Management Approach
Successful implementation of your project requires clear planning and coordination. Define a project management approach that includes timelines, resource allocation, and responsibilities for research, design, and testing. Consider any challenges that may arise during development and how they will be managed.

Questions to consider:

• What project management approach will you use to ensure timely delivery of your biomimetic system?

• How will resources (time, personnel, materials) be allocated to different stages of the project?

• What are the potential challenges in developing and implementing your system, and how will they be addressed?

6. Costing and Feasibility
The affordability of your system is key to its success. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate how your biomimetic system offers long-term energy savings that justify the initial investment. Explore opportunities for reducing costs through sustainable materials or mass production.

Questions to consider:

• What are the initial costs of developing and implementing your biomimetic system, including installation and maintenance?

• How does your system compare to existing solutions in terms of cost and energy savings?

• What are potential funding sources or incentives that could help lower the cost of development and implementation?

7. Sustainability, Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Sustainability is a core aspect of this project, as biomimetic designs aim to reduce energy use and environmental impact. Consider how your system can contribute to a more sustainable living environment. Additionally, reflect on ethical considerations and how your design promotes inclusivity and diversity by being accessible and affordable to a wide range of users.

Questions to consider:

• How can your system reduce energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable household?

• Can you use sustainable or recycled materials in the design of your biomimetic system?

• How will your project address ethical considerations and promote inclusivity, ensuring that your system is accessible to a wide range of homeowners?

Further Information

1. J. Benyus, Biomimicry in action, July 2009. [Video]. Available: https://www.ted.com/talks/janine_benyus_biomimicry_in_action [Accessed: 18 Oct 2024].

2. L. Gritsch, D. Meng and A. Boccaccini, "Nanostructured biocomposites for tissue engineering scaffolds", Biomedical Composites, pp. 501-542, 2017. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-08-100752-5.00021-4 [Accessed: 18 Oct 2024].

3. T. Yamaguchi, T. Ishikawa and Y. Imai, "Biomimetics", Integrated Nano-Biomechanics, pp. 265-290, 2018. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-38944-0.00008-5 [Accessed: 18 Oct 2024].

4. AlAli, Mariam, Salwa Beheiry, and Serter Atabay. "Strategies for the Design and Construction of Nature-Inspired & Living Laboratory (NILL 1.0) TM Buildings." Biomimetics 9.7 (2024): 441. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/7/441 [Accessed: 18 Oct 2024].

5. Huang, Ming Jun, and Neil J. Hewitt. "An Experimental Investigation into the Use of Biomimetic Methods for Thermal Regulation and Heat Retention with PCMs in Buildings." Renewable Energy (2024): 121435. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121435 [Accessed: 18 Oct 2024].