Fire resistance in a sunshading element as an alternative design solution for fire retardant glazing

This master thesis of the Building Technology track concerning fire resistance in a sun shading element as an alternative for fire retardant glazing was produced by the idea of Wiebe Schotanus from the Safety Region Haaglanden, who proposed the idea of combining sunshading and fire retardant properties as an alternative design solution for fire...

Glass Folded Plate Facade

The aim of this thesis, is to explore the design possibilities of a glass folded plate facade, in which glass is understood as a planar structural element. This design is proposed having in mind the way the folded plate principle, stiffens the facade against buckling and lateral wind load, having an even distribution of the flow of forces. In...

Structural cast glass; A research process of design and experiment towards a feasible geometry for a cast glass element

This research aims to contribute on the scientific and applicable research in Structural glass in the Built environment. Specifically the use of cast glass in a dry-assembled arched bridge application in which cast glass blocks are used to form the span of the structure. The research consists of three important phases. By following a project...

Transparent restoration of historic buildings by structural glass components

A study about the structural and thermal performance of large glass masonry façade

There are already lot of glass structures, using big size elements that prove that glass is a strong material that can compete the other more conventional building materials. However, the use of solid cast glass bricks glued with a transparent UV cured adhesive is not common and it is first utilized in the façade of the Crystal House in...

Transparent enclosures: Design Strategies for Free Form Shells

Free-form transparent wide-span spatial structures which have being constructed so far, are based on the concept of three sets of components, the structural components, usually steel elements to ensure both compressive and tensional capacity; the glass cladding elements for expressing transparency; and thirdly an in between set for connecting...

Sustainability and Service Life of Curtain Walls

The goal of this thesis is to study the service life of a curtain wall and identify which is the best duration in terms of sustainability. Two scenarios, one short-term and one long-term, will be analysed and eventually compared in order to make the final decision. For both scenarios the embodied energy and CO2 emissions will be calculated. Time...

Designing a Movable Bridge with Glass Structural Elements

Conservation of natural environment and historical areas, declining the environmental impact and aesthetic appearance are the most important issues in modern architecture especially in designing large structures such as bridges. Glass is the material that gives the opportunity for designing a transparent structure which may meet the...

Biodegradable materials: A research and design handbook; enhancing the use of biodegradable materials on building's envelopes in the Netherlands.

This master thesis dealt with 12 biodegradable materials that were researched extensively under various parameters, aiming to a better understanding of those materials and their potentials as future building materials in the Netherlands. The main research question of “which products and systems will enhance the use of biodegradable materials on...

The Transparent Facade of the Future - Design strategies for maximizing transparency with self-supporting glass facade systems

The research is focusing on the development of strategies to accommodate the structural design of a transparent all – glass façade. This façade will be designed for one of the commissioned projects of OMA. Through the research it will be attempted to organize and systemize all the different aspects that one must consider when designing with...

Pure Transparency

The ancient temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae in the Peleponnese in Greece is a unique world heritage monument. The limestone used however is very susceptible to the elements (ice, rain, acid rain). Currently the temple is protected by a canopy. A case study has been made to build a glass pavilion around the temple. This needs to meet some...

Fire rating curtain wall

The space that can be improved to get a better prediction bridging the gap between simulation and reality, and its reactions on design revision to increase the fire-resistance of a façade product before a formal test is the issue of this thesis. Regulations and design principles concerning a fire-resistant façade have been studies. With the...

Biomimicry for Light Regulation in Building Envelopes

One of the functions, fulfilled by a building envelope, is the regulation of daylight. Daylight control technologies for buildings are important for glare reduction and visual comfort of the occupants. The current technologies provide various solutions to reduce glare, by directing or blocking light. Unfortunately, this is often conflicting with...

Materializing with Cradle to Cradle

For a truly sustainable society the Cradle to Cradle guidelines are a useful guide. Different technical and bio materials are integrated in design options. System designs are compared with a Life Cycle Assessment. To test innovative constructions some prototypes have been made and are tested for strength and deformation. Outcome is an extruded...