A solution to improve the thermal efficiency of the exterior shell of a building using natural non-woven composite materials

Nowadays, the relationship between bio mimicry science and various fields including extended architecture and the study of patterns, systems, and biological elements, is a way to create solutions to the problems of human life. Silkworm cocoon is a biological structure and a natural composite that has evolved during the time and is a good response to environmental conditions for silkworm and has high physical and mechanical properties against stress and has a good function as an insulator against ambient temperature conditions. Understanding the structure relationships of silkworm cocoons inspires how to create composite structures, including non-woven, lightweight, and high-strength composites. In this study, the descriptive-analytical method and logical reasoning method attempt to introduce the structure of silk cocoon, using sericin cocoon and natural fibers, which for various reasons such as lightness, non-pollution, abundance, and low-cost, can be a suitable alternative to artificial fibers, offer materials as a non-woven bio composite. These materials, which have recyclable properties and are suitable in terms of energy consumption, can be used as moisture and heat insulation. This performance was simulated and analyzed in the outer shell of the building and using the Hani Bee energy analysis plugin in the Grasshopper for the hot and dry climate of Kashan. The results show that the proposed non-woven composite of natural fibers can help to improve the thermal performance and reduce the heat transfer between the outside and inside of the building by up to 12.7% compared to when the building shell is considered without thermal insulation.