The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and BVN Architecture have received the Australian Sustainability Awards’ Green Building Material/Product Award for their 3D-printed air diffusion system dubbed, “Systems Reef 2 (SR2).”
According to UTS, this energy-efficient design, inspired by frogs’ respiratory systems, attempts to lower commercial buildings’ carbon impact.
In particular, instead of focusing cool air in one location, the now-patented SR2 uses an aerodynamic design with fine pores to mist cool air throughout a space.
UTS and BVN chose recycled PETG plastic for the SR2, ensuring that it is totally recyclable at the end of its life – an action that is consistent with their dedication to the circular economy concept.
“The building industry is one of the highest contributors to global waste, one of the biggest consumers of energy and materials and has some of the most significant contributions to CO2 emissions,” explained Tim Schork, chief investigator and Adjunct Professor at the UTS School of Architecture.
UTS and BVN said they have created SR2 to upgrade existing building stock with antiquated air distribution systems that consume much electricity.
“Compared to Australia, there are even more buildings globally whose air diffusion systems need to be renewed. It’d be great to see SR2 implemented in other parts of the world,” Schork added.
The professor emphasised that aside from any office environment, nSR2 can also be installed in supermarkets, hotels, commercial stores, and homes where there are numerous outdated air duct systems that can be replaced.
The 2022 Sustainability Awards received almost 250 projects and products, all of which displayed such high standards and levels of design.
