Operating as both a classroom and laboratory, the CobBauge\u00a0project is being led by the University of Plymouth<\/a> with partners across the UK, Ireland and France.<\/p>\n With researchers monitoring the performance of the new walling material, the University of Plymouth will demonstrate it to future building designers, contractors<\/a>, housing associations and interested stakeholders.<\/p>\n The researchers began studying a range of different soil and fibre mixes, creating a unique double-layered composite wall that combines a denser mix with a lighter weight version of the material, for a combination of strength and insulation.<\/p>\n Having established that the method met the required standards \u2013 as well as securing the planning permission \u00ad\u2013 construction of the 32 sq m CobBauge project building, located next door to the University\u2019s Sustainability Hub<\/a> will begin this month.<\/p>\n Estimated to take around eight months to complete, the work is being carried out by Paul Barclay and Chris Noakes (Eco-Construction) and the university\u2019s estates team.<\/p>\n Promptly moving onto its second phase, the project will now focus on investigating the performance of the new building, using a range of sensors to measure energy use, and analyse its life cycle and indoor air quality<\/a>.<\/p>\n Phase two of the project has been funded by Interreg V France (Channel) England, co-funded by the ERDF to a total of \u20ac4,127,365.09.<\/p>\n Principal investigator Steve Goodhew, Professor of Environmental Building, in the School of Art, Design and Architecture, stated:\u00a0\u201cThis is the start of an exciting new applied research phase for CobBauge, where we have an opportunity to put into practice the exciting findings from the laboratory.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will create a living lab and demonstration site that will become the centre of attention for a wide range of people \u2013 from construction professionals to built environment<\/a> students.\u201d<\/p>\n Professor Will Blake, director of the Sustainable Earth Institute, commented: “Students and visitors to the site will be able to engage with this potentially industry-influencing ongoing research project, right next door to our green-walled Sustainability Hub, which, as a living lab, is itself at the forefront of the Low Carbon Devon programme.<\/p>\n \u201cIt exemplifies the university\u2019s commitment to an ultra-low-carbon future.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2018The centre of attention for a wide range of people\u2019<\/h3>\n