Prototyping spinifex as thermal insulation in arid regions of Australia

O'Rourke, Tim, Flutter, Nick and Memmott, Paul (2010). Prototyping spinifex as thermal insulation in arid regions of Australia. In: , Proceedings of: 44th Annual Conference of the Architectural Science Association, ANZAScA 2010. ANZAScA 2010: 44th Annual Conference of the Architectural Science Association,, Auckland, N.Z., (). 24-26 November 2010.

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Name Description MIMEType Size Downloads
Author O'Rourke, Tim
Flutter, Nick
Memmott, Paul
Title of paper Prototyping spinifex as thermal insulation in arid regions of Australia
Conference Paper Type Fully Published Paper
Conference name ANZAScA 2010: 44th Annual Conference of the Architectural Science Association,    (ERA 2010 Rank B)
Conference location Auckland, N.Z.
Conference dates 24-26 November 2010
Proceedings title Proceedings of: 44th Annual Conference of the Architectural Science Association, ANZAScA 2010
Place published Auckland, N.Z.
Publisher Architectural Science Association
Publication date 2010
ISBN 9780473180003; 0473180006
Total pages 8
Collection year 2011
Language eng
Formatted Abstract/Summary The vegetation of arid and semi-arid regions of Australia is characterised by spinifexdominated ecosystems. Spinifex grasses belong to the genus Triodia, of which there are at least 67 species, and are broadly classified into hard and soft, resiniferous types. This paper draws on a multidisciplinary research project that examines the potential uses of two species of ô€€€pinifex as a material component of a range of sustainable building products. Novel findings on the botany, ecology, chemistry and bioengineering of Triodia spp. Continue to inform the architectural stream of this research, which is in the third year of a five-year project.

This paper describes preliminary investigations into the use of two species of ô€€€pinifex as potential materials for the thermal insulation of buildings. Recent data on the morphology and mechanical properties of Triodia pungens and T. longiceps are compared with plant-derived fibres, such as flax and hemp, which are used to make thermal insulation for buildings. A range of prototypical building products have been developed which investigate different processing techniques, binders and compositions. The paper discusses these results in the context of the wider research project and the potential applications for spinifex grasses, which are limited by inchoate knowledge of sustainable harvesting practices.
Keyword Spinifex
Biofibre
Thermal insulation
Sustainable building
Q-Index Code E1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ
Additional Notes Conference also known as "On the Edge - Cross-disciplinary and Intra-disciplinary Connections in Architectural Design". Presented during "The Material Science of Grass".

Document type: Conference Paper
Sub-type: Fully Published Paper
Collections: Institute for Social Science Research - Publications
Official 2011 Collection
School of Architecture Publications
 
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Created: Fri, 11 Feb 2011, 11:09:36 EST by Paul Memmott on behalf of School of Architecture