BIOARC – Bio-Based and Locally Rooted Construction Materials

BIOARC is an EU-funded research project dedicated to developing high-performance bio-based building materials from agricultural by-products. The aim is to create climate-resilient, fire-resistant, and aesthetically as well as culturally embedded construction materials that are locally rooted and ecologically sustainable.

The project transforms residues from sunflower (France), hops (Germany), wheat (Poland), and rice (Italy) into four product groups:

• Insulation boards
• Wall panels
• Acoustic elements
• Modular partitions

At the core of BIOARC lies a microbial bio-mineralization process, known as “Green Moulding” technology. In this process, bacteria act as co-creators through calcification, binding fibers without energy-intensive steps. This enables scalable, cost-effective, and low-carbon production. To ensure consistent performance, the developed materials are rigorously assessed for their structural, thermal, acoustic, health-related, and durability properties, and validated in real-world construction environments.

A distinctive feature of the project is the bioregional co-design approach: in each cultivation region, a “Bioregional Weaver” is embedded to integrate local identity, material aesthetics, and community needs into the development process. By collaborating closely with farmers, craftsmen, and local industries, BIOARC fosters regional value chains, reduces carbon emissions, and supports resilient local economies.

Through its participatory and cross-regional design approach, BIOARC contributes to regenerative architecture and aligns with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative and the goals of the European Green Deal, setting new standards for sustainable and circular construction.

Project Duration

May 2025 – April 2028

Funding Program

Horizon Europe | Budget: EUR 3,899,197.50

Coordination

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Team

Prof. Niklas Fanelsa 
Julia Ihls 
Öykü Tok
Ivo Kalvelage
Carolin Schelkle

Consortium

Technical University of Munich | University of Northumbria at Newcastle | Cresco Biotech | Innorenew Coe | WeLOOP | InoSens | BayFOR | VestaEco | BarthHaas | Terres Inovia | Innova-tech | Food Culture Days

Grant Number

101215956-BIOARC-HORIZON-MISS-2024-NEB-01

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