HBBE Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment

The Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) is a unique research centre held jointly between Northumbria University and Newcastle University

The HBBE intends to establish the world’s first research Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, aiming to create a new generation of ‘Living Buildings’

Our vision is to develop biotechnologies to create a new generation of ‘Living Buildings’ which are responsive to their natural environment; grown using living engineered materials to reduce inefficient industrial construction processes; metabolise their own waste, reducing pollution, generate energy and high-value products and modulate their microbiome to benefit human health and wellbeing

The HBBE is funded through Research England's Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Scheme

The HBBE is organised around five core research themes: 
- Building Metabolism
- Living Construction
- Microbial Environments 
- Responsible Interactions
- Living Textiles