In a world grappling with housing shortages and environmental concerns, Plantd, a pioneering startup, is making waves with its sustainable approach to construction. The company has created ultra-strong building panels from the world's fastest-growing perennial grass, ushering in a new era of eco-conscious building practices. Read SURFACES REPORTER (SR)’s complete report on this:
Harnessing the Power of Nature
Pland utilised long perennial grass, known for its rapid growth and impressive length of 20 to 30 feet within a year. This eco-friendly alternative is a game-changer in the construction industry, offering not only a sustainable solution but also a cost-effective one.
From Grass Fibers to Robust Panels
Engineers at the firm have ingeniously repurposed the fibers of perennial grass to create a material stronger than wood. This innovation has paved the way for the production of building panels for roof decking, wall sheathing, and subflooring. According to them, the product outperforms wood in terms of weight, cost-efficiency, and carbon sequestration.
Revolutionizing Home Construction
This revolutionary panel technology is transforming the landscape of home construction. Contractors can now build home frames with fewer materials while maintaining structural integrity, resulting in groundbreaking cost savings. Homeowners also stand to benefit from lower heating bills, thanks to reduced air leakage from thermal wall gaps typically associated with traditional framing materials.
Green Partnerships and Futuristic Production
To bring their vision to life, Plantd is partnering with local farmers near Durham to cultivate acres of perennial grass. The company envisions an electric, modular, and automated production system that efficiently converts the grass into super-strong panels.
Josh Dorfman, CEO, and co-founder of Plantd envisions a future where sustainable panels provide clear advantages in terms of costs and improved insulation.