Talks and shows

How to grow a house

Martyn Dade-Robertson explores the new materials being developed which could one day allow us to grow buildings.

House in a tree
Image by Schmidsi via Pixabay

Please note, this is the rescheduled talk, originally due to take place on Saturday 12th April 2025.

Imagine if we could construct a house the way a tree constructs itself. Using only the resources found beneath our feet and energy from the sun, we could create materials that self-assemble into structures of incredible complexity and beauty—while also absorbing CO2. We might even, perhaps, create living buildings made from materials capable of responding to their environment, continuing to grow, and self-repairing over time.

Join Martyn Dade-Robertson as he explores the advances in biotechnology that offer new opportunities for construction, and the new range of materials being developed to grow buildings. From fungus that could produce bricks grown on Mars, to soil that can strengthen in response to loads, and even bacteria that make concrete able to heal itself. While we can’t yet grow a building, these technologies offer a glimpse of a future where our buildings—and even our cities—may be more life-sustaining and sustained by life.

This Ri event is brought to you by Undaunted, a partnership between the Royal Institution and Imperial College London to combat the causes and effects of climate change through clean-tech innovation.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Martyn Dade-Robertson

Martyn Dade-Robertson

Martyn Dade-Robertson is a Professor of Emerging Technology at Northumbria University, with a background in Architecture and Computing, and more recently, in Synthetic Biology (focused on engineering biological systems). He founded the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) and co-leads the Living Construction Group. His research spans several projects involving the development of new biological materials and fabrication techniques, including Living Manufacture, which aims to create a biological 3D printer-like device called the Engineered Living Fabricator (ELF). He also edits a book series on Bio Design with Routledge, authored Living Construction, and is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Cambridge University Press journal Biotechnology Design.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions