Highly heat reflective facade gives intriguing pattern

What provides heat resistance, and how can we design buildings and outdoor spaces to better combat heat? We already know that paved, dark-colored environments contribute to the urban heat island effect and recognize the importance of urban greenery; however, how can heat-resistant materials—such as bio-based façade materials—contribute to thermal comfort?

In the KIEM research project "Breathing Biobased Facades," we (Dante Föllmi & Carla Andrea Vega Castillo) are collaborating with the Circular Construction research group (Elsbeth van Battum & Sam Edens) and partners—including NPSP (Willem Böttger), Weedware - Wierwaar, Rik Makes, BlueBlocks Concept, Woodinc - Structurez, Bianca Stroet (City of Amsterdam), and Xander De Bruine (National Knowledge Center for Bio-based Construction)—to better map the thermal performance of bio-based materials. Beyond their significantly lower carbon footprint, these materials are characterized by a vapor-permeable structure and lower thermal mass, or they utilize specific coatings that can benefit both indoor and outdoor climates in terms of heat and moisture regulation.