What does a year of sun, rain and wind do to a biobased facade?

That's exactly what NPSP is researching here! With ten natural coatings and two biobased material types that demonstrate their behavior in all weather conditions. More than a decade ago, NPSP began with an ambitious idea: "Can you convert biobased waste streams into facades that become more beautiful over time?" That search led us to Nabasco – a biocomposite that now adorns facades throughout the Netherlands.

But we're not done yet. In this test field, we're researching the next generation: The first 100 percent biobased and fire-resistant Nabasco 8040 facade panels: a new material that literally interweaves nature and technology.

What's happening here? We're testing ten innovative coatings. From plant-based resins to even layers grown from mycelium. In white, green, and transparent, we're investigating how each variant reacts to sun, rain, and time. This way, we discover how biobased facades can be not only sustainable but also enduringly beautiful.

What are we measuring? Two types of panels: standard & fire-resistant. Ten biobased coatings. Three color schemes (white, green, transparent).

Why is this important? Each panel tells us something about the future of construction: a future in which materials are circular, local, and living. The insights from this test help architects and builders confidently choose biobased facades that perform and retain character.

About this project: This test is part of the Interreg North-West Europe project Hemp2Comp – From Hemp to High-Performance Biocomposites. Within this program, European partners are collaborating on new applications for hemp fibers in biocomposite materials.

This project is (co-)funded by the Interreg Flanders-Netherlands program of the European Union.