Dr Dan Maskell’s research focuses on advancing and mainstreaming natural building materials to maximise their environmental and performance benefits within contemporary construction. His work spans a wide range of nature-based systems, including earth, straw bale, and bio-based insulation, with an emphasis on integrating these materials into scalable, market-ready building solutions.

Building on a strong foundation in the physical, mechanical, and structural characterisation of materials, his research has evolved toward a holistic, systems-level approach. This includes microstructural analysis, heat and moisture transport in porous media, life-cycle assessment, and the optimisation of indoor environmental quality. It also incorporates full-scale testing of building systems and the monitoring of real buildings in use, enabling the validation of material performance under practical conditions. Through this integrated perspective, his work seeks to demonstrate not only the technical viability of natural materials but also their role in enhancing occupant wellbeing and reducing environmental impact.

A central focus of Dr Maskell’s research is the translation of innovation into practice. Working collaboratively across academia, industry, and international research networks, he supports the development, testing, and commercialisation of novel building products. His work plays a key role in bridging the gap between research and application, contributing to the wider adoption and normalisation of natural materials within the built environment.

• Innovative renewable construction materials
• Hygrothermal performance of materials
• Indoor Air Quality
• Health and Wellbeing of building occupants