In the heart of Jakarta, a groundbreaking study is reimagining the future of sustainable construction, with implications that could ripple through the global energy sector. Kwarista Dharma Smitha, a researcher from the Department of Architecture at Universitas Indonesia’s Faculty of Engineering, is leading the charge. Her work, published in ARTEKS: Journal of Architectural Engineering, explores how the Engineering Center (EC) Building at Universitas Indonesia can achieve true circularity through innovative facade design.
Smitha’s research delves into the potential of a hybrid approach, combining biological and technical materials to create a more sustainable built environment. “The construction sector has a tremendous opportunity to enhance its sustainability,” Smitha explains. “By integrating circular economy principles, we can significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a more resilient industry.”
The study focuses on the EC Building’s facade, a critical component in a building’s energy efficiency and environmental footprint. Smitha and her team employed a mix of Building Circularity Calculation (BCC), Material Passport (MP), and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) to evaluate the building’s current design and explore alternative, more sustainable options.
One of the standout findings is the potential of mycelium bricks, a biological material made from mushroom roots. With mycelium comprising 63% of the proposed hybrid design, the study suggests that this approach could substantially improve the EC Building’s circularity. “Biological materials generally cause less environmental impact compared to technical materials,” Smitha notes. “However, we must also consider their shorter lifespan and develop mitigation strategies accordingly.”
The implications of this research extend far beyond the EC Building. As governments and corporations worldwide strive to meet ambitious sustainability targets, the construction industry is under pressure to innovate. Smitha’s hybrid design strategy offers a promising pathway, one that could be replicated and adapted for buildings across the globe.
For the energy sector, the potential is immense. Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption, and improving their sustainability could lead to substantial energy savings. Moreover, the use of biological materials like mycelium could reduce the demand for energy-intensive materials, further lowering the sector’s carbon footprint.
However, challenges remain. Biological materials, while eco-friendly, often have shorter lifespans than their technical counterparts. This necessitates further research and development to ensure their longevity and durability. Additionally, the construction industry will need to adapt its practices to accommodate these new materials, a process that will require investment and innovation.
Smitha’s research, published in ARTEKS: Journal of Architectural Engineering, is a significant step forward in this journey. It provides a roadmap for achieving building circularity, one that could shape the future of sustainable construction. As the industry continues to evolve, studies like this will be instrumental in driving progress and promoting a more sustainable built environment.
The future of construction is circular, and Smitha’s work is helping to pave the way. By embracing a hybrid approach that combines biological and technical materials, the industry can reduce its environmental impact, promote sustainability, and create a more resilient built environment. The energy sector, too, stands to benefit, with the potential for significant energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. As Smitha and her colleagues continue their research, the possibilities for innovation and progress are endless.
