Trashell

This prototype is a free-form shell of 300 x 300 x 2-5 mm, manufactured of green agro-fibre thermoset composites, of free-oriented short natural fibres and a plant-based thermoset bioresin. Different agro-fibres and agro-based particles from the plant residues stream were applied including coconut shells, cereal straw and black coal ash as an agro- active filler within this product design to reach different textures effects. In addition, glowing additives were applied, to suit the possible application of the proposed product in exterior façade applications, with minimal energy consumption for night lighting. The matrix applied is a plant-oil based to reach complete green-based biocomposites for architectural cladding applications, for higher sustainability fulfillment in contemporary architecture.
The proposed prototypes were examined for their suitability for exterior façade applications within a doctoral Research work at the University of Stuttgart and the initial free-weathering tests indicated their high possible success in exterior applications, as well as in interior ones.