Formafantasma Designs Algae Acoustic Panels for Living Laboratory at Milan Polytechnic
Amsterdam-based Formafantasma developed a line of structural acoustic panels from farmed freshwater algae for Milan Polytechnic's new design laboratory — panels that grow in bioreactor facades, sequester CO2, and can be composted at end of life.
Formafantasma·April 28, 2026
Formafantasma — the Amsterdam design studio led by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin — developed a structural acoustic panel system for Milan Polytechnic's new design laboratory using freshwater algae harvested from a bioreactor facade integrated into the building's south elevation.
The panels are grown in flat-panel photobioreactors, harvested at 30-day intervals, compressed, and dried to form boards with acoustic absorption coefficients comparable to mineral wool. At end of life, the panels are fully compostable. Trimarchi said the project 'inverts the conventional material hierarchy — the facade generates the material that lines the interior.'
Content credit: Formafantasma