Abstract
Banana Matters transforms discarded banana pseudostem biomass into carbon-sequestering architectural panels through material research, bio-based binders, and digital fabrication. The project addresses the untapped potential of nearly 525 million tonnes of annual banana waste by developing lightweight, low-carbon composites with acoustic and structural applications. Through iterative material experimentation, heat-press manufacturing, and mechanical and physical testing, optimized panel formulations were identified. The outcome demonstrates how agricultural waste can be translated into scalable, circular building materials, reducing embodied carbon while creating new opportunities for architecture and sustainable construction.
The Challenge!
Why Banana?
https://www.naturalfibercompany.com/blogs/news/the-agro-waste-problem-banana-cultivation-pseudostem-volumes-and-the-climate-cost-of-current-disposal-practices#:~:text=Note%3A%20national%20inventories%20may%20treat,8%5D%2C%20%5B12%5D
Research Gap
Although banana fibres have been explored for industrial products, their architectural potential remains largely unexplored. Our research bridges this gap by translating agricultural waste into digitally fabricated building materials.
Material Development
Material Recipes
Physical Test
Overall Performance and Observations
Acoustic and Thermal Performance
Comparative Analysis of final prototypes with existing industrial materials.
Final Material System
Product Development
Final Design Application and Fabrication
Architectural Applications
Circular Life Cycle
Conclusion
Next Step
Industrial Set up for Scaling up the manufacturing process.
Material Circularity
Video
