A liveable built environment, along with stable access to food and water, is one of the cornerstones of societal well-being worldwide. This book brings together a global cross-section of researchers and engineers from a range of disciplines and presents their insights into materials and processing technologies that can help pave the way for the sustainable built environments our future calls for. Featuring cutting-edge approaches, from reimagining material supply chains to harnessing 3D printing for eco-friendly materials, this book explores the art of cob building, looks at the potential of bio-based materials, and explains circular economy principles in construction. Readers will discover novel uses of agricultural by-products, delve into hemp-based solutions, and gain an understanding of the chemistry behind eco-conscious concretes. Within these pages lies an unveiling of pathways to waste reduction, resource optimization, and seamless integration of nature into construction. With insights encompassing timber, cement, masonry, and more, this book stands as an indispensable resource for professionals and enthusiasts actively shaping a greener built environment while drawing upon a mix of contemporary scientific advancements and ancestral wisdom.
Part I. Earth based construction.
Chapter
1. The Life Cycles of Natural
Buildings - From Traditional to Digital (Lola Ben-Alon).
Chapter
2. The
Geographies of Sustainable Bio-Based Materials for Modern Methods of
Construction (Alejandro Veliz Reyes).
Chapter
3. Are we there yet? Progress
Review of Digital manufacturing for earth construction (Mohamed Gomaa).-
Chapter
4. Earth-based materials in contemporary construction: challenges and
opportunities (Giada Giuffrida).
Chapter
5. Cob vernacular architecture
conservation and its contribution towards a sustainable built environment
(Alejandro Jiménez Rios).
Chapter
6. Earth as a building material: from
traditional building techniques to additive manufacturing (Flora
Faleschini).
Chapter
7. Clay-based plasters: back to the future (Paulina
Faria).
Chapter
8. Modern assessment of the mechanical and structural
properties of traditional rammed earth building techniques (Fernando Įvila).-
Chapter
9. Unstabilized Rammed Earth Construction in contemporary contexts
(Carene Umbeyeyi).
Chapter
10. New technologies for earth construction: 3D
printing, a reality or a mirage? (Ana Mafalda Matos).- Part II. Alternative
materials and processes.
Chapter
11. Using marine sediments to improve the
mechanical behaviour of earthen materials (Miakonirainy Vololontsoa
Razafitrimo).
Chapter
12. Insights into the use of fast-growing natural
fibres in construction (Rebekka Volk).
Chapter
13. Carbon nanomaterial
additives in concrete as a pathway towards high performance and
sustainability (Dorian A. H. Hanaor).
Dorian Hanaor is an engineer and scientist whose cross-disciplinary expertise spans civil engineering, materials processing, energy systems, and sustainable innovation. With over two decades of experience across three continents, Dr. Hanaor bridges knowledge domains to generate novel solutions for engineering challenges at the human-environment interface. As the editor of "Sustainable Materials for the Built Environment," Dr. Hanaor brings together diverse perspectives on reducing the environmental footprint of construction materials while enhancing their performance. His professional journey encompasses consulting, industry partnerships, and academic leadership, having taught materials science, architecture, and engineering at prestigious universities throughout Germany, China, and Australia. Dr. Hanaor has advised numerous materials-focused ventures developing next-generation sustainable solutions for the built environment. His research contributions include over 100 scientific articles, book chapters, and patents that advance our understanding of materials science and its applications to sustainability challenges. His work exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach needed to transform construction practices and create more environmentally harmonious built environments.
