Researchers at RMIT University have developed an innovative material inspired by the intricate glass skeleton of the Venus’ flower basket sea sponge (Euplectella aspergillum). This biomimetic approach could revolutionise architecture and product design, offering enhanced structural efficiency, durability, and sustainability.

Nature’s Blueprint for Strength and Flexibility
The Venus’ flower basket is a deep-sea sponge known for its naturally occurring silica-based lattice structure, which is both lightweight and incredibly strong. By mimicking this design, the research team from RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials has created a new material with remarkable mechanical properties, including high stiffness, energy absorption, and durability.

The team developed a double-lattice design that replicates the sponge’s structural efficiency. The bio-inspired framework is significantly stiffer and can absorb 10% more energy than conventional lattice structures, making it ideal for impact-resistant applications. Using computational simulations and 3D printing with thermoplastic polyurethane, they demonstrated that their material is up to 13 times stiffer than existing auxetic materials while maintaining flexibility.

Potential Applications in Architecture and Design
For architects and interior designers, this material innovation could lead to the development of lighter yet stronger construction elements, reducing the need for high amounts of traditional concrete and steel. By integrating this design into load-bearing structures, facades, and even earthquake-resistant buildings, architects could enhance both safety and sustainability in construction.

Similarly, for product and packaging designers, the high energy-absorption capabilities of this material open new possibilities for protective packaging, sports gear, and impact-resistant consumer goods. Its lightweight yet sturdy properties make it an attractive alternative to conventional synthetic materials.

The material’s unique auxetic properties—meaning it contracts perpendicularly when stretched—make it particularly useful for applications requiring flexibility combined with strength, such as shock-absorbing footwear, automotive components, and advanced medical implants.

Towards More Sustainable Materials
The research team aims to further explore applications using compacted natural raw materials, which could make the design more sustainable. If successfully implemented, this material could reduce the environmental impact of building and manufacturing processes by minimising waste and improving material efficiency.

The next steps involve refining the lattice design for commercial production and testing steel and cement versions for eco-friendly construction techniques.

By harnessing nature’s design principles, this innovation demonstrates how biomimicry can lead to stronger, more sustainable solutions for multiple design disciplines.

Source: RMIT University, Cosmos Magazine