Insulating a building with chicken feathers

Composed of microscopic keratin (a chemically resistant and physically strong protein), feathers are one of the lightest natural fibres in nature and great thermal insulators. According to Elena Dieckmann and Ryan Robinson, the co-founders of Aeropowder, it was the feather’s thermal qualities that inspired the design.

“Our process allows us to captures these useful properties of feathers into a powdered form, making them easier to manipulate and work into functional products,” write the duo. “Therefore we can create Aeropoder, by incorporating processed feathers with a binder to create a lightweight insulation material. We will create solid insulation boards that can be installed onto external walls.”