Kombucha Pellicle: Growing Skin

 
 

This project speculates on the potential of kombucha pellicle in architectural applications primarily investigating the capacity of the pellicle to fuse to itself while drying allowing for easy patching and embedding of materials for structural or aesthetic benefits. As an organic biodegradable material, the pellicle has a limited life and it becomes brittle and susceptible to tearing when dry, eventually decomposing and returning its nutrients to the earth. It also readily absorbs fluids which make it stronger and enhance its qualities. This project also speculates on the possible use of kombucha pellicle as a structural substrate for growing plants. As a growing substrate, kombucha pellicle might be used in landscaping applications and living roofs where it can be both embedded with seeds and act as a drainage mat and reservoir to manage water levels. It might also serve in hanging or vertical garden applications as a greenhouse enclosure material, a growing substrate and a tensile structure simultaneously.

 

This project speculates on the potential of kombucha pellicle in architectural applications primarily investigating the capacity of the pellicle to fuse to itself while drying allowing for easy patching and embedding of materials for structural or aesthetic benefits. As an organic biodegradable material, the pellicle has a limited life and it becomes brittle and susceptible to tearing when dry, eventually decomposing and returning its nutrients to the earth. It also readily absorbs fluids which make it stronger and enhance its qualities. This project also speculates on the possible use of kombucha pellicle as a structural substrate for growing plants. As a growing substrate, kombucha pellicle might be used in landscaping applications and living roofs where it can be both embedded with seeds and act as a drainage mat and reservoir to manage water levels. It might also serve in hanging or vertical garden applications as a greenhouse enclosure material, a growing substrate and a tensile structure simultaneously.

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Fidelity, Contingency, Indifference

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