Biofabrique Vienna

With the ‘Vienna Tile’, Biofabrique Vienna demonstrates how excavated material from the expansion of the Vienna Underground can be transformed into a new product for the construction sector. The tile is based on Viennese clay, which is produced during the construction of new U2 and U5 underground stations. The locally produced Vienna Tile is aesthetically appealing whilst also meeting the high technical standards required for public spaces. Various mixtures are being tested during the development phase to ensure the tile is stable, water-resistant and durable. The ‘Vienna Tile’ is being developed in collaboration with experts from the fields of ceramics, architecture, materials research, industry and urban planning. Following successful testing by MA 39, preparations for industrial production are now underway in partnership with Wienerberger. In this way, a previously underutilised material is being transformed into a new application for Vienna.

With its Vienna Colours, Biofabrique Vienna is developing a natural and local alternative to petroleum-based, synthetic dyes. These are produced, for example, from non-edible organic waste generated in the catering and food processing sectors – such as onion skins – or from rapidly spreading, invasive plant species found in Vienna. The new dyes are intended for industrial production in the future. For this reason, Biofabrique is also taking the scalability of production into account. At the same time, the project is testing suitable dyeing systems and assessing the durability and quality of the dyes.
 

Biofabrique Vienna’s first project, ‘Viennese Building Materials’, was launched in 2024. The research project focused on the question of how local resources and material residues can be transformed into new building materials for architecture and design. Together with partners, waste materials were collected in Vienna, analysed and developed into prototypes. These included panels, glazes, ceramic mixtures and the first Biofabrique Vienna brick: a building material made from excavated material from the underground railway extension and brewers’ grains, a by-product of beer production. The experience gained from the ‘Viennese Building Materials’ project forms the basis for Biofabrique Vienna’s subsequent projects, including the ‘Viennese Tile’ and ‘Viennese Paints’.