From the Lab to the Land: Challenges of Upscaling Biobased Materials for Architecture

Upscaling bio-based materials requires adjustments in growth techniques, workspaces, material manipulation tools, and post-processing to ensure the materials meet the requirements for use in the built environment. This document examines bacterial cellulose in this context, illustrating the process followed to upscale the production of the material and adapt it from a controlled lab environment to a larger architectural scale. The study presents and assesses the steps taken to adapt lab growing conditions, harvesting and drying techniques, and coating choices, among other critical procedures. The barriers and opportunities encountered through this process contribute to the ongoing discussion on shifting from traditional to bio-based materials in the built environment. Moreover, this research underscores the transformative role that bio-based materials like bacterial cellulose can play in advancing sustainable architectural practices and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary efforts to bridge laboratory research and large-scale built design.