How much better are the insulation properties of bird-inspired bricks made from 3D printed plastic waste?

Ten times better than conventional clay bricks

The intricate lattice architecture studied in weaver nests, particularly those of the Baya Weaver, has directly inspired material science innovations for human construction. Engineers have utilized these principles, employing 3D printing technology to weave strips of recycled plastic waste into novel construction bricks. Remarkably, when tested against traditional building materials, these bird-inspired bricks have demonstrated superior thermal performance. Specifically, their insulation properties were found to be an astonishing ten times better than those of conventional, standard clay bricks. This breakthrough suggests a future where ecological design principles derived from nature can lead directly to energy-efficient human housing and reduce the overall carbon footprint.