The ATRIUM project, a 42-months funded project by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme and co-funded by UKRI, celebrates its first anniversary this July. Bringing together 13 partners from 7 countries, ATRIUM is building momentum around a bold vision: to accelerate the decarbonisation and circular transformation of the construction sector through bio-based, high-performance materials and sustainable manufacturing technologies.
Launched in July 2024, ATRIUM (full name: Advancing bio-based materials and circular technologies for Reconfigurable, Urban and Modular construction) is reimagining how buildings are designed, built, and experienced. The project focuses on the development of five innovative construction products, all based on renewable and recyclable materials:
- Acoustic panels using mycelium-based composites
- Resilient flooring with bio-based polymers
- Outdoor decking systems made from WPC (wood-polymer composites)
- Modular green wall systems for water treatment and air quality
- Lightweight hempcrete building blocks for low-energy housing
A Strong First Year of Collaboration and Progress
In its first year, ATRIUM has:
- Initiated material development and testing of various bio-based formulations including mycelium, hempcrete, recycled wood dust, and bioplastics
- Started to develop bio-based flame-retardant coatings for interior applications
- Advanced additive manufacturing techniques, such as large-format 3D printing of hempcrete
- Explored aesthetic and functional improvements to mycelium-based panels and flooring designs
- Produced early wood-fiber composites using recycled wood dust
As ATRIUM enters its second year, the focus will shift toward scaling prototypes, further refining materials and processes, and preparing for real-world testing at demo sites in Spain, Austria, and Israel. The team will continue to strengthen ties with industry, architects, policymakers, and citizens to encourage widespread adoption of bio-based construction solutions.
