Recent News
Smart Circular Bridge in Ulm wins German Design Award 2026
The Smart Circular Bridge in Ulm has been named a Winner of the German Design Award 2026 in the category Excellent Architecture – Urban Space and Infrastructure. Designed by Prof. Hanaa Dahy, the bridge combines flax-fibre biocomposite construction with an architectural design inspired by the silhouette of Ulm Cathedral.
The bridge can carry vehicles of up to 12 tonnes and integrates structural monitoring sensors whose data are translated into sound, creating an interactive experience for pedestrians. The jury highlighted its combination of sustainable materials, distinctive design language and forward-looking architectural quality.
Green Innovation in Full Bloom: OrbiLoop® Shines at Fraunhofer IME’s ‘Mittendrin’ Finale
The closing event of the “Mittendrin” project was held at Fraunhofer IME in Aachen in summer 2025. As part of a feasibility study, the OrbiLoop® test system was installed within the double-skin glass facade of the institute’s greenhouse. The setup successfully demonstrated the concept by cultivating herbs and strawberries. To enhance sustainability and reduce energy consumption, the system partially relies on solar energy, supported by outdoor sensors.
Opening of Smart Circular Bridge of BioMat in Ulm - Spring 2025
The Smart Circular Bridge in Ulm is part of an EU-funded Interreg NWE project that aims to explore the potential of renewable raw materials for load-bearing structures. The goal is to pave the way for a bio-based circular economy and reducing CO₂emissions in the construction industry. Behind the project stands an interdisciplinary consortium of 15 partners, led by Eindhoven University of Technology. Hanaa Dahy and her research group „Biobased Materials and Materials Cycles in Architecture (BioMat)“ were part of the team and played the architect role in the whole project.
‘NextHouse’ designed by BioMat Architecture awarded First Prize
NextHouse was awarded First Prize in the BBSR ZukunftBau design-build competition for LAGA Landesgartenschau in Neuss for 2026. Developed as a flexible architectural and research demonstrator, the project combines timber construction with innovative bio-based components, including pultruded natural-fibre profiles and TFP panels. Following an extensive research, prototyping and planning phase, the project was concluded at the development stage, with its outcomes providing a basis for future applications.
