Build for change: Prefabricated biogenic façade systems for extreme climates and beyond

With reference to high CO2 emissions and enormous consumptions of natural materials, modern building industry plays a substantial role in the creation of the mounting problems found in today’s global ecological crisis. Thus three clear strategies are defined by UNEP to support stakeholders across the lifecycles of the built environment sector to decarbonize: “1) AVOID extraction and production of raw materials by galvanising a circular economy; 2) SHIFT to regenerative material practices wherever possible by using ethically produced low carbon earth- and bio-based building materials whenever possible; and 3) IMPROVE methods to radically decarbonise conventional materials.” (UNEP, 2023)

The paper presents the outcome of current architectural research projects into 'radical tectonics' addressing the above strategies. This includes e.g. use of regenerative materials, simplified construction systems based on craft traditions as well as prefabrication (Leimand & Schotanus, 2025), design for reuse and metabolisms in nature (Byng, 2026).

The research questions addressed are circling around: how can tectonic design strategies, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and ‘testing-by-building-by-testing’, support mitigating the ecological crisis providing resilient alternatives to mineral based and carbon extensive materials, manufacturing and construction? (Beim, 2025)

Exemplified in prefabricated biogenic façade systems for extreme climates and beyond, this paper presents results from two multi-disciplinary research projects:
A. Biogenic Prefabricated Construction – Construction, Fire, Architecture (2024-26)
B. The Deserta Ecofolie - A Prototype for Minimum Dwelling in the Atacama Desert and Beyond (2024-2027)

Both research projects derive from previous and ongoing multi-disciplinary research and development projects with architects, thatchers, engineers, geographers, contractors, clay masons, and fire-experts. The projects have led to full-scale prototypes designed for fire-prevention and extreme climate situations by testing new biogenic building techniques.

Biogenic Prefabricated Construction – Construction, Fire, Architecture studies how biogenic materials as reed, straw and eelgrass can be used in prefabricated façade systems for 1-3 storey buildings. The aim is to further the use of biogenic building materials by testing and documentation.

The Deserta Ecofolie investigates regenerative/biogenic materials, simplified construction systems (DfD), and prefabrication methods for the harsh climate of Chile’s Atacama Desert (Alonso & Prado, 2025. The facade panels are made with local materials that can withstand the extreme desert climate—high aridity, thermal fluctuations, and intense solar radiation—while minimizing environmental impact through circularity and low-carbon construction.