EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE FIBRES FROM CREATION TO APPLICATION IN THE ULSTER UNIVERSITY BELFAST CAMPUS TEXTILE ROOF GARDEN

This paper investigates a recent project that focussed on creating natural fibre composites for a range of applications and products. The project included the use of locally sourced materials including hemp, wool, flax, and wood pulp. Using action research as a methodology it tracks the design, development and creative use of materials and the various fibre combinations for the desired functionality of the products. One of the outcomes was the design and development of the natural fibre composites for use in the build of a textile roof garden based on the 6th floor of the newly built Ulster University Belfast Campus, in the heart of the city centre. The project was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the School Pollinator grant and the Physical resources department at Ulster University. The textile roof garden used the mixed materials in the overall design of the external planters and structures in the garden, to showcase the potential for the new materials and future applications. The textile garden was also designed to be used as an educational tool highlighting the intensity and complexity of the systems required in the growing, processing and refining of the bast fibres. The purpose was to also educate students, staff, and the public through the garden design and as an aid to reconnecting with textile materials. It was also to be a tool to review and reflect on the importance of textiles for individual choice and behaviour regarding textiles. To assess the biodegradability of the materials they were combined with the soil to view the rate of the material decomposition. The fibres were also measured for the nutritive qualities for the soil and to consider the possibilities for climate beneficial fibre production.