Design and manufacturing of building products based on biomaterials: A systematic literature review and a framework proposal based on the meta-synthesis method

Abstract

The increased usage of resources and waste generation is putting pressure on the natural environment and producing worldwide environmental problems. Different building and manufacturing methods are necessary when the validity of linear production and the discard concept fades. Overconsumption of resources such as energy and raw materials, as well as environmental issues caused by building products throughout their life cycles, are raising environmental awareness in the construction industry and presenting new options such as focusing on biological and natural processes.In this context, there are several design techniques, such as biodesign, in which organisms (algae, bacteria, fungus) are integrated into the design and perform a purpose in the building (energy production, indoor air cleansing, etc.). This situation is generating a new class of materials. Biomaterials are being developed as part of sustainable material and design research, with the objective of implementing biodesign principles. The goal of this study is to develop a framework for designing and manufacturing biomaterial-based building products. In this case, comprehensive literature review and metasynthesis techniques were used. A thorough literature study provided definitions, terminology, theoretical and practical knowledge on biodesign, and meta-synthesis developed framework stages for biomaterial manufacturing. The framework covers the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, as well as the steps that need to take at each process. Thus, it is believed that the framework, which will be established with a correct description and categorization, will help architects who wish to study in this field and contribute to the acceptance and broad use of biomaterial-based building products.