The construction industry faces an urgent need to reduce its environmental footprint, in which the adoption of bio-based materials is a valuable step. However, the use of such materials in façades remains limited. This thesis, conducted within the MSc Civil Engineering (Building Engineering track) program at Delft University of Technology, in collaboration with ABT Consulting Engineers, uncovers the experienced challenges and addresses them by developing an information product for start-ups aspiring to bring bio-based non-structural closed façade products to market.
The research focuses on the knowledge and performance aspects necessary for start-ups lacking access to expert consultancy. Through a combination of literature research and interviews with start-ups and industry stakeholders, the study identifies key barriers: difficulties in product testing, difficulties navigating certification and regulatory frameworks, lack of standards tailored to bio-based materials, unfamiliarity with the use of bio-based materials, and difficulty with guarantees on supply, quality and production. Literature was reviewed on bio-based materials (e.g., flax, hemp, straw, cork, mycelium), façade design principles, façade performance (structural, fire, water, air, thermal, moisture, and acoustic), testing methods, and the legislative framework surrounding building products in the Netherlands.
The research methodology involved three phases: (1) expert dialogues to capture industry insights, (2) product development, using the state-of-the-art and results from the expert dialogues, and (3) validation through a feedback questionnaire with the target audience. The expert dialogues, taking place with start-ups, bio-based experts, and building (physics) experts, revealed advice from experience: certification should not be the main focus, but a means to help sell products, and adopt a go-to-market strategy that starts in an accessible market. The experts also gave insight in the useful knowledge from the state of the art, such as information on design tools such as UBAKUS or simple Excel models, testing methods such as compressive and flexural strength, bonding, UV, freeze, and fire resistance checks, how to comply with relevant standards by testing, and sustainability measurement tools such as LCA, MPG, BCI.
The final product is an interactive information guide designed specifically for start-ups. It navigates users through early-stage product development phases, including material selection, performance requirements, indicative testing strategies, and certification (including CE marking). The guide's format follows practices for user engagement: visual, intuitive navigation, and different layers of depth.
In conclusion, the thesis successfully creates a practical, targeted resource that empowers bio-based product start-ups to bridge critical knowledge gaps, increase their market readiness, and contribute to the sustainable transition of the built environment. The findings stress the importance of flexible certification frameworks, simplified early-stage testing, and stakeholder involvement to enable broader acceptance of bio-based innovations in construction.