Miscanterra

Ce qu'il fait

Committed to improving the energy efficiency of buildings while respecting the environment, Miscanterra offers the production and commercialisation of insulating panels made from miscanthus—a plant that cleans and nourishes the soil.

Votre source d'inspiration

The Miscanterra project originated during studies at the School of Architecture in Lille. The project focused on the rehabilitation of a mining town where residents were suffering from intense cold and high levels of heavy metals in the soil. Miscanthus helped address both issues. Later, I realized that: - Heat loss in buildings can account for up to 45% of a household's total energy consumption. - 90% of the market is dominated by synthetic insulation materials that are carcinogenic and energy-intensive to produce.

Comment ça marche

Our insulation blocks are made from shredded miscanthus, a locally grown plant, mixed with an innovative natural binder developed to ensure cohesion and durability—without the need for baking or chemical additives. This mixture is poured into a mold, lightly compacted, and then dried in a ventilated space at room temperature for several days. Once dry, the block becomes rigid, lightweight, and insulating. To reinforce its strength, a heat-bonded fabric is applied to its surfaces, reducing crumbling, making handling easier, and improving durability. The fibrous structure of miscanthus traps air, offering excellent thermal performance, while ensuring a simple, clean, and local production process. This unique process also allows for easy customization of block shape and size based on construction needs, reducing waste and simplifying installation. Miscanterra is a sustainable, responsible, and innovative solution.

Processus de conception

The Miscanterra project was launched in 2024 with the goal of offering a locally sourced, bio-based insulation made from miscanthus—a plant with low environmental impact. After initial artisanal experiments, we developed a structured manufacturing protocol: calibrated shredding, precise formulation with natural binders, manual molding, and air drying. More than 45 prototypes were tested in labs for their thermal, mechanical, and physical performance. Block No. 2 was selected for its balanced results: good thermal conductivity, lightness, and sufficient resistance. We then optimized the industrial process (machinery, drying times, compaction) to ensure a consistent, eco-designed, and easy-to-install product. Today, the process is ready for pre-industrialisation, and a patent application is underway.

En quoi est-il différent ?

Miscanterra stands out for its novel use of miscanthus in a self-supporting insulation block. While bio-based insulations are usually loose-fill, panels, or made from hemp or flax, we use a still-underutilized plant, grown locally without irrigation or chemical inputs. Our design combines raw miscanthus with natural binders in an optimized formulation—without heating or grey energy. We also introduced a heat-bonded fabric applied to the surface of the block, enhancing cohesion, mechanical strength, and minimizing crumbling during handling. This innovation delivers a more durable product, cleaner to install, and suited to demanding construction sites.

Plans pour l'avenir

We are currently finalizing the patent application for the process and preparing a pilot phase with test construction sites. The goal is to validate real-world performance and optimize installation time. We are also developing a modular interlocking version and a semi-industrial production line. Ultimately, we aim to create local micro-production units to boost regional employment and decarbonize the construction sector. In parallel, we are pursuing certification and labeling processes to ensure compliance and industry recognition in the sustainable construction sector.

Récompenses

The project has won: - Prix Impact - Prix Archi’bois - Challenge Entreprendre - Journée des Opportunités