Materials and Sustainable Research

 Lime Plaster

Lime plaster has a high reflectivity, especially in light shades, which improves the natural lighting inside the building. This material is environmentally friendly, vapour-permeable, regulates humidity and improves air quality. (Ideal Work, 2025)

In the project lime plaster  is used in the interior of the exhibition space, where the soft reflection of light is important.

Fritter solar-control glass

Fritter solar-control glass is a material in which ceramic frit diffuses daylight, reduces glare and cools facades, and solar-control cover reduces solar overheating and regulates solar energy. (Gellef, 2022)

In the project, fritter solar-control glass is used in facades where soft diffusion of daylight is important.

U-glass

U-shaped cast glass with a corrugated surface that provides uniform light diffusing and can have heat-shielding low-e versions.

U-glass evenly scatters sunlight and can provide heat protection because to its corrugated structure and low-e options. (Laurel Glass News, 2025)

In the project, this material is used for the ceiling inside the exhibition space as it diffuses light and gently illuminates the interior.

Mycelium panels

Mycelium panels is a biocomposite made of mycelium and plant fibres. Thus material has acoustic and thermal insulation properties and is used for panels and cladding in architecture. It is completely environmentally friendly and from it can be created any complex shape, creating a mould in which it grows and takes its shape. (Firstplanit, 2023)

In the project, this material is used to create columns that have a soft shape. Inside these columns there is a metal frame that performs a supporting function and outside this frame covers mycelium panels. 

Cork

Compressed cork blocks or cork panels are natural materials made of oak bark. It is light, warm, does not absorb water and perfectly insulates from heat and cold. Therefore, it is used on roofs as an environmentally friendly thermal insulator.

This material has low carbon footprint, and provides disassembly and durability. (Howland, 2019)

In the project this material is used for the roof.

Text Reference:

1. Ideal Work (2025) ‘Lime plaster: climate benefits and energy efficiency’. Available at: https://www.idealwork.com/lime-plaster-climate-benefits-and-energy-efficiency/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

2. Geleff, J. (2022) ‘Beat the heat: 5 innovative facades equipped with fritter glass’, Architizer. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/fritted-glass-facade/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

3. Qingdao Laurel Glass Technology Co., Ltd. (2025) ‘U-profile glass: innovative solutions for modern architecture’, Laurel Glass News. Available: https://www.laurelglasstech.com/news/u-profile-glass-innovative-solutions-for-mode-85347093.html (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

4. Firstplanit (2023) ‘ PLP Labs push boundaries with mycelium’. Available at:  https://resources.firstplanit.com/plp-labs-push-boundaries-with-mycelium/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

5. Howland, M. B. (2019) ‘Cork House’. Available at: https://www.matthewbarnetthowland.com/cork-house (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

Image References:

1. Magnific (2026) ‘Lime plaster texture seamless’ [online image] Available at: https://www.magnific.com/free-photos-vectors/lime-plaster-texture-seamless (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

2. Dongguan Yinjian Glass Engineering Co., Ltd. (2026) ‘Super bright edge laminated glass’. [online image] Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/fritted-glass-facade/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

3. Valid Aluminum (2026) ‘U-glass facade installation’ [online image] Available at: https://facadesglass.com/u-glass-facade-u-glass-facade-wall-cost-per-square-meter/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

4. Dezeen (2026) ‘Mycelium design projects’ [online image] Available at: https://resources.firstplanit.com/plp-labs-push-boundaries-with-mycelium/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).

5. Amorim Cork Solutions (2024) ‘Casa da Levada, Portugal: expanded cork cladding’ [online image]. Available at: https://amorimcorksolutions.com/en-us/knowledge-center/case-studies/casa-da-levada-portugal/ (Accessed: 8 June 2026).