Sweet Illusion: Natural or Engineered?

Second Place

At first glance, this image appears to show a honeycomb filled with golden honey. In reality, it is a wood-based cellular core made from Aspen (Populus tremuloides) for making a sandwich panel with an adhesive. Inspired by nature’s hexagonal structure, this engineered panel product provides high stiffness, lightweight strength, and superior load distribution, making it ideal for structural applications. Aspen is present in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada, particularly in deciduous stands along river valleys, growing alongside species like maple and birch. Traditionally, its use in structural applications has been limited. My research explores its potential as a high-performance product, transforming locally available wood into innovative sandwich panels. By developing biomimetic panels for raised floors, walls, acoustic panels, and sound-insulating furniture, I aim to reduce reliance on synthetic materials, lower emissions, and enhance carbon storage in construction. Wood’s natural ability to store carbon further contributes to reducing the overall environmental footprint of buildings. My research demonstrates how Aspen, an underutilized species, can be reimagined for modern construction. What appears to be a simple honeycomb is an actually innovative step toward eco-friendly design, proving that nature holds the blueprint for smarter engineering.