Citizen Zero 03: stories spotlight ft. sustainable design with VANK and bio-inspired architecture
This week we're taking a closer look at how innovative design, manufacturing, and construction can mitigate the impacts of climate change and help protect the environment. This includes our recent conversation with VANK's Natalia Sochacka, who told us about the design firm's sustainability-driven approach and highlighted the incredible potential of alternative materials like flax. Flax is also the star of the stunning Hybrid Flax Pavilion, a research-driven architectural project designed to explore ways to minimise construction waste and employ novel and innovative bio-based materials.
The art of everywhere: inside VANK's sustainable and circular design approach
Sustainable furniture and interiors that fuse an eye for stunning and intelligent design with a deep empathy for people and planet. Natalia Sochacka tells us more
Where does VANK’s sustainable ethos come from, and what are the core principles?
We have a manifesto that responds to three trends: conscious consumption (particularly among the younger generations), the Symbiocene, and wellbeing.
Young people entering today’s labour market value freedom, and independence and strong personal values play a large role in their decision-making processes. Many in Gen Z believe it’s important that the mission or vision of their organisation aligns with their own values because they want to have real impact in what they do. Research also shows that a quarter of students want to know if their potential employer has a plan to reduce their CO2 emissions. We try to meet expectations of office users and customers wanting to lower the environmental impact of their businesses.
The Symbiocene megatrend is a shift from an anthropocentric (human-centred) approach to one focused on the entire ecosystem; a world where we care for nature as much as nature nurtures us. It’s a philosophical concept proposed by Australian philosopher Glenn Albrecht. Humans have caused significant harm to the Earth's geology, climate, biodiversity, and ecosystems in the Anthropocene era; Albrecht suggests it is characterised by destructive and unsustainable practices that have led to ecological degradation and various crises.
VANK’s goal is to shape a new mindset towards a sustainable human-nature relationship, in which nature is no longer treated as a resource, but as an equal part of the whole system. This Symbiocene mindset opens up new perspectives for a livable future.
In interior design, the trend for wellbeing is focused on self-care and is also turning to slow design (a movement in which interiors, including everything from architecture to kitchen items, are made thoughtfully and responsibly) and circular design principles.
How do these trends influence the way VANK thinks, designs, and creates?
We’ve proved that smart and durable plant-based materials are a suitable substitute for conventional raw materials in the manufacture of wall panels, movable partitions, and cubicles for work or meetings.
Since 2022 we’ve been using renewable fibre crops like flax and hemp to make a biocomposite, VANK_BIO. Biocomposites combine plant-based fibres with a polymer and bring clear environmental advantages – VANK panels contribute to the development of a circular economy and have a negative carbon footprint, for example. After use, VANK_BIO panels can be disposed of as part of a composting process.
VANK’s technology produced shapes designed to guarantee soundproofing. Soon it became clear that we could give the panels an infinite number of shapes. By steering clear of primary petrochemicals and using renewable raw materials instead, we reduce CO2 emissions. Flax and hemp also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and contribute to the climatic stability of the planet.
Our green transformation was recognised by the German Sustainability Award, and in 2022 we won the Green Product Award and Iconic Design Awards, the competition of the German Design Council.
Natural beauty: Hybrid Flax Pavilion
If you look hard enough you can see the Argen River beyond the undulating roof – designed to echo the meandering waterway - of the Hybrid Flax Pavilion. If you can tear your gaze away from the incredible building, that is.
The experimental structure, designed as the centrepiece of a garden show in Wangen im Allgäu, Germany, is the creation of students and researchers at the University of Stuttgart researching bio-based and bio-inspired construction and low-energy building methods. Its wave-like roof is created using a lightweight hybrid structure of cross-laminated timber and robotically wound flax fibres developed as an alternative to conventional building methods.
This technique creates a novel, resource-efficient building structure made from regional, bio-based materials with a local connection - flax was historically processed in the local textile industry, whose old spinning mill sat on the grounds that now house the Hybrid Flax Pavilion. The goal of the unique design is to achieve expansive column-free space while minimising construction materials usage.
At the centre of the pavilion is a climate garden, which serves as a central courtyard and facilitates natural cross-ventilation and cooling. The design also features a geothermically activated floor slab crafted from recycled concrete and CO2-reduced cement.
The guide: weekend reading list
The Climate Optimist Handbook
In challenging times, it can be hard to find the courage to choose positive change, or to spread optimism to others concerned about the future. The Climate Optimist Handbook seeks to change that narrative. Author Anne Therese Gennari, offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools to move us from a place of fear of climate change to acting with empowerment and excitement.
Regenerative business
A modern bible for business owners and leaders who want to have a positive impact on the world. Regenerative Business ditches capitalism, instead focusing on making a difference based on the systems of nature, connecting with our wild soul, and celebrating creativity