Sustainable biocomposite facades installed faster than expected.

In Zundert they just do it: Sustainable biocomposite facades installed faster than expected.

There are many persistent old prejudices surrounding sustainable solutions in construction, but in Zundert builders managed to install facades made of biocomposite very quickly.

At first glance you wouldn't say it, but the facade of the brand new knowledge centre ROOTZ in Zundert is made of a material that is made from natural waste flows that can also be reused later. These so-called Nabasco facade panels were created together with the designers and engineers of Stantec (Oosterhout branch) and construction company Moeskops from Bergeijk.

ROOTZ: innovation in the tree sector

ROOTZ is the multifunctional knowledge centre for the tree sector, located at Business Centre Treeport (BCT). The name stands for Space for Research and Meeting with Treeport Zundert, with a playful reference to the English roots, which emphasises the grounded character of the sector. The knowledge centre facilitates a range of activities, such as:

• Plant research and vertical farming

• Research into ingredients and biobased construction

• Robotisation, energy management and soil and water analyses

• Training and knowledge sharing

Its new building has been designed with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. This is reflected in the application of heat and cold storage, water collection, a green roof and facade panels made from residual wood flows.

Biobased facade panels

Nabasco® develops circular biocomposite products that are manufactured from biobased and renewable materials. Locally available, natural fibres such as flax and hemp are used as much as possible, and increasingly residual materials such as reed and recycled toilet paper. These are combined with biobased resins.

Peter Berben, client on behalf of Treeport, adds: "Nabasco Products is a valuable partner that has supported us perfectly in realising our sustainable, biobased mission."

Nabasco's products are not only sustainable and maintenance-free, but also suitable for demanding outdoor applications such as facade cladding. The first Nabasco products have been in use outdoors since 2006 and the first facades were built in 2012. In short, proven in quality and durability in use.

Installation was lightning fast

Myths about the application and installation of many sustainable innovations exist. Construction company Moeskops had taken into account problems in its planning to be on the safe side, but nothing could be further from the truth. Frank Mentink, foreman at Moeskops, responds enthusiastically: "The panels are of excellent quality and could be installed faster than expected."

Nabasco® Natural: aesthetic and functional

The Nabasco® Natural facade panels are available in various thicknesses, tailored to the specific requirements of each project. A thickness of between 6 and 12 mm is used for most flat facades. Thanks to the natural colouring of the ingredients, the panels have an organic appearance, while customisation in any RAL or Sikkens colour is also possible. The panels are supplied as standard in a format of 600 x 600 mm, with a fire class of B S1 d0. They are mounted on wooden slats and thus form a durable and aesthetically attractive facade cladding.

The organic fibres enhance the natural character of the panels, especially in lighter colours. This results in a facade that is not only robust and low-maintenance, but also contributes to a natural appearance of buildings.

Sustainability as a core value

The production of Nabasco® fibres requires significantly less energy and chemical agents than traditional materials. In addition, chalk is used as a filler that is extracted from drinking water companies, instead of from mines. This chalk is filtered from the drinking water by water companies to improve water softening, which gives washing machines and dishwashers, for example, a longer lifespan.

In addition, the resins used come from residual flows from other industries, including biodiesel production.

Photography: Riesjard Schropp, Breda