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Accepted manuscript

Searamica: A Bio-Integrated Framework for Passive Mould Mitigation through a Hygroscopic and Antifungal Seaweed-Based Material

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 July 2026

Y. Yan Open the ORCID record for Y. Yan [Opens in a new window] ,
Y. Loh ,
S. Chai ,
A. Koerner Open the ORCID record for A. Koerner [Opens in a new window] ,
A.K. Salmane  and
J. Meng
Y. Yan*
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
Y. Loh
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
S. Chai
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
A. Koerner
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
A.K. Salmane
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
J. Meng
Affiliation:
The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London, United Kingdom
*
*Author for correspondence. Email: ying.yan9a@gmail.com
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Abstract

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Indoor mould growth remains a persistent challenge in UK housing, affecting occupant health and building performance. Current mitigation strategies are largely reactive or dependent on energy-intensive HVAC systems, underscoring the need for low-energy, materially driven design approaches. This paper presents Searamica, a biodesign-led retrofit framework integrating biomaterial development, environmental simulation, computational modelling, and robotic fabrication to address mould growth as an architectural and material systems problem. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and a modified Valtion teknillinen tutkimuskeskus (VTT) mould growth model generate spatial environmental fields representing mould risk conditions, which, integrated with material properties, inform morphological generation and material distribution rules. These rules guide the deployment of a hygroscopic, antifungal seaweed-based biomaterial (SBM) within a functionally graded wall system. Material testing indicates a Moisture Buffering Value (MBV) of 2.14 g·m⁻2·%RH⁻¹. NORDTEST room scale simulations show relative humidity (RH) increases limited to 3.75% compared to gypsum assemblies. The project establishes a transferable and transdisciplinary framework for designing site-specific, fabricable retrofit interventions using biomaterials to mitigate mould growth and support passive indoor moisture regulation.

Keywords

Data-driven Design FrameworkComputational DesignDual-material Robotic FabricationBio-integrated DesignEnvironmental Simulations

Information

Type
Full Paper: Biodesign Conference
Information
Biotechnology Design , Accepted manuscript , pp. 1 - 30
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press