As the global construction industry turns toward sustainable solutions, flax fibres are emerging as high-performance, low-impact alternatives for a new generation of bio-based architectural and civil engineering applications.

“These projects reflect the growing ambition of our industry to deliver carbon-smart, beautiful and high-performing structures using natural European fibres,” said Bruno Pech, innovation project manager for the Paris-headquartered Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp.

Beyond interiors

For the first time, flax is stepping beyond interior and insulation applications to form key structural elements in buildings and at the forefront of this transformation is the University of Stuttgart’s ITECH Research Pavilion 2024 programme in Germany. Two extraordinary lightweight structures have been created using filament-wound flax fibres, demonstrating the material’s strength and design flexibility.

The main pavilion, a semi-permanent structure, features 20 flax fibre roof beams, crafted from Terre de Lin’s 100 tex rovings and industrially processed by HA-CO Carbon. A second, smaller pavilion incorporates co-wound wood and Safilin’s 200 tex flax fibres in its columns and roof structure. Both projects highlight coreless robotic winding technologies and deliver striking examples of sustainable construction methods.

Cladding and façades

French manufacturer Temca meanwhile recently completed 880 lightweight shading panels using Bcomp’s ampliTex flax fibre material for the Cité Scolaire Internationale Jacques Chirac business school in Marseille. Designed by architects Rudy Ricciotti and Roland Carta for Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est, the system uses RTM-moulded ampliTex combined with UV-resistant gelcoat and fire-rated resin, providing a nature-inspired, energy-efficient solution with drastically reduced weight and hardware requirements compared to traditional materials.

Dutch composite innovator NPSP also continues its work integrating bio-based materials in public infrastructure. In collaboration with Procotex and material partner Nabasco, NPSP has delivered façades across Europe, including the vibrant green cladding of Amsterdam’s NEMO Science Museum, designed by Renzo Piano. Nabasco Natural panels offer both design freedom and high fire safety standards, paving the way for bio-based façades in modern urban design.

Urban greening

In another development, Demgy, a leader in recyclable moulded composites, has partnered with green roof expert Plantika to trial Flaxcomp sandwich base panels for rooftop garden modules. Replacing aluminium with perforated flax composites, the solution enhances water drainage and aeration while reducing environmental impact. If successful, the trial may lead to full flax composite construction in future urban greening projects, marking a critical advance towards circular building solutions.

The Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp continues to support its members and partners in advancing bio-based innovation across architecture and civil engineering.

www.allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu