Innovative Eco-Friendly Structures: Carbon-Emission-Reducing House, Yeast-Derived Construction, and Other 'Projects for a More Moderate Climate'
The exhibition 'Designs for a Cooler Planet' is currently running at Helsinki's Aalto University, showcasing diverse solutions to pressing global issues. The event, which runs until 28 October 2025, invites submissions from students, staff, and researchers across various subject departments at the university.
One of the exhibits is Tiny House Shadow, a real-life residence of the university's professor of sustainable construction, Matti Kuittinen. More than half of Tiny House Shadow is created out of recycled matter, with the rest made from materials with low emissions, such as old fishing nets and fossil-free steel. Due to its design, Tiny House Shadow uses 85% less material, 43% less land, and has a 53% smaller carbon footprint per resident compared to a traditional single-family home.
Another exhibit is Kasvu, a 9.4 sq m living unit. Developed by Daniela Alatorre, Pekka Heikkinen, and Laura Zubillaga, educators from the university's wood programme, Kasvu is a testament to the possibilities of modular construction. Pre-fabricated in a factory and transported to a desired site without heavy machinery, Kasvu's structural and non-structural elements have been purposely separated for easy maintenance or readaptation over time.
The Beacon project, proposed by a team from Aalto University's school of engineering, suggests using biochar to stabilize the foundations of roads, bridges, and infrastructure on Finland's clay-rich soil. Biochar, a carbon-negative by-product of biofuel production, could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional strengthening materials like cement, turning sites into CO2 'sinks'.
The collaboration between Aalto University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has produced building blocks and interior wall panels through a 3D printer, which are displayed in glass cases at the exhibition. The collaboration, led by Tiina Nypelo, a professor from the university's school of chemical engineering, and Dr. Max Easton and Dr. Zoe Laughlin from University College London, is part of the 'myotecture' project, using yeast biomass for sustainable construction.
Enni Äijälä, the art director of the exhibition, emphasizes the importance of showcasing theoretical ideas alongside those that are already in the making to spark dialogue and wider change. Äijälä believes that significant change begins when we dare to dream big and design alternative future visions, and the exhibition provides the freedom to imagine and demonstrate those possibilities.
The 'Ceci n'est pas une porte' project, led by members of the university's art, design, and architecture school, presents a series of 'absurd' storybooks that highlight the wasteful obstacles architects and builders face to avoid wasting construction materials.
The goal of the exhibition is to keep opening up research and education, ensuring new ideas and findings are brought onto a public stage. By showcasing innovative sustainable solutions, 'Designs for a Cooler Planet' aims to inspire and empower individuals to contribute to a greener future.
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