Omlab explores ecologically sound construction, following its own research by design method ‘Building biodiversity’. The studio develops according to the principles: Leave the earth intact, use the raw materials that are already in circulation and give back to nature.
Examples are several faunamodules like Modular by Nature (Omlab x MVRDV) and a biodegradable slope tile.
Modular by nature (Omlab x MVRDV Climate Collective), speculative architecture for insects, birds and other city dwellers.
Infographics designer Stella Smienk visualized Omlab’s mission and method. The result is a process tree. It shows the steps the studio envisions towards a built environment more and more in balance with nature.
The regenerative design approach is a combination of all things Omlab: give more than you take, circular, biobased, nature as a leading example, true price and futureproof for generations to come. The most important tools in this research are: Curiosity, co-operation and a great sense of urgency. The corresponding method stems from this research.
Building on (soil) biodiversity
The designers of Omlab firmly believe the built environment (construction/infra) should be a trinity with soil and biodiversity.
The loss of biodiversity is even more urgent in the Netherlands than in the rest of Europe. In addition, the European Union agreed in the Green Deal to be climate neutral by 2050.
In building (soil) biodiversity, Omlab designs with the whole life cycle in mind. Each step is essential for the next:
- Origin: Do not affect the earth, leave the (soil) biodiversity intact.
Use raw materials that are already in circulation. - Production: How can we produce with as much respect for nature as possible?
- Use: The product has a positive influence on its environment.
- End-of-life: Choose high-quality reuse and/or give back to nature.
The studio presented the research ‘Building biodiversity | building on biodiversity’ for the first time at the end of 2022 during Dutch Design Week.
Research projects ‘building biodiversity’
(bouwen aan biodiversiteit)
Week van de Circulaire Economie: Omlab presenteert Building biodiversity in Omlab.
Material Source (UK): Omlab is part of the Top 23 biomaterial designers to watch in the year 2023.
Modular by nature, architecture for insects, birds and other city dwellers. The modules are part of the green facade pilot of architecture firm MVRDV.
