Bat boxes in clay and Omlabs circular material mix

Developed within the European project 'Nature-in-Building' 

Biodiversity and climate adaptation are becoming increasingly important in the built environment. Within the European project Nature-in-Building, we developed innovative 3D-printed bat boxes in collaboration with Omlab, providing bats with a sustainable and lasting place in and around buildings..

The bat boxes were designed and produced in two different materials: 3D-printed clay and Omlabs circular material blends (Buildmatterial). 

By applying different materials, we can investigate which solution is most attractive to bats and how factors such as location and wind direction influence their preferences..

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With a nature-inclusive future for buildings

Due to renovations, insulation work, and increasing urbanization, natural shelters for bats are disappearing more and more. However, bats are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem and make a significant contribution to natural pest control.

With the Nature-in-Building project, we are exploring how biodiversity can be structurally integrated into buildings and infrastructure. Our 3D-printed bat boxes serve as a concrete example of how technology, material innovation, and ecology can reinforce each other. 

Developed in collaboration with bat specialists

The development of the bat boxes took place in close collaboration with Omlab and was set up as an iterative design process.

During various design and testing phases, feedback was collected from bat specialists from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Their expertise was integrated into successive prototypes, addressing aspects such as:

•  inlet openings
•  internal structure
•  grip surfaces
•  microclimate
•  dimensions
• placement options

systematically optimized.

The result is a series of bat boxes that are both ecologically sound and technically innovative..

Why 3D printing?

3D printing technology makes it possible to create complex shapes and internal structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.

The technology also offers:

• great design freedom
• rapid iteration during the development phase
• custom solutions for specific projects
• more efficient use of materials
• local production
• integration of natural textures and structures

This allows for the development of products that are both functional and aesthetically aligned with their environment.

 

Two materials, one goal

3D-printed clay

Clay is a natural and breathable material that possesses excellent thermal properties. Thanks to its natural texture, it also provides a pleasant grip for bats..

Omlab Building Material

In addition to clay, the bat boxes were produced using Omlab's circular Buildmaterial, an innovative material developed with a focus on circularity, resource reuse, and low environmental impact..

By testing both materials under practical conditions, researchers can determine which properties contribute most to successful colonization by bats..