Asbestos cement corrugated (ACC) roofing sheets remain widely used in low-cost construction due to their durability, affordability, and structural performance. However, concerns regarding asbestos-related health risks and the environmental impacts of conventional roofing materials have created a need for alternative roofing systems. Simultaneously, large quantities of lignocellulosic waste generated from wood processing industries remain underutilised despite their potential as composite feedstocks.

This research analyzes the feasibility of manufacturing corrugated roofing panels from wood-planer shavings bonded with bio-based and semi-bio-based binders through a compression hot-pressing process. Three binder systems, lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF), soda lignin-based formulations, and Kaumera, were evaluated. Experimental panels were produced at various densities and tested for physical and mechanical properties relevant to roofing applications. The performance of the developed composites was assessed against the structural benchmarks associated with ACC roofing sheets.

The results show that wood-planer shavings can be successfully consolidated into corrugated composite roofing panels using compression hot pressing, with panel density emerging as a major factor influencing performance. Among the binder systems investigated, LPF-based composites demonstrated the most promising overall performance. The study further demonstrates that roofing panels can be produced from minimally processed lignocellulosic waste using a manufacturing approach that is substantially simpler than existing natural-fibre corrugated roofing systems.
The research contributes a new methodology for developing corrugated roofing composites from waste-derived feedstocks and establishes a basis for further development of low-cost, bio-based roofing materials suitable for decentralised and small-scale production contexts.
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This report investigates the feasibility of using non-wood plant-fibre reinforced composites as structural profile materials for stick-built curtain wall façades in low- and mid-rise buildings. The work is motivated by the need to reduce embodied carbon in building envelopes and by the absence of systematic research on plant‑fibre composites in aluminium-like mullion and transom geometries. Existing studies predominantly address coupon-scale behaviour or flat panels and rarely integrate mechanical performance, manufacturability, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact at the profile level.

The study aims to determine to what extent plant‑fibre composites can be developed into manufacturable façade profiles that meet the mechanical, environmental, and regulatory requirements of aluminium curtain wall systems. To this end, a structured methodology is adopted, comprising literature review and material selection, definition of performance criteria, iterative experimental manufacturing in three phases, mechanical testing (tension, bending, fastener fixation, thermal expansion), life-cycle assessment, and a basic validation against European curtain wall performance criteria (EN 13830). Cross‑stitched flax fibre in a low‑viscosity epoxy matrix is ultimately selected, and filament wrapping combined with vacuum bagging and oven curing is developed to produce 50 × 100 × 4 mm rectangular hollow profiles.

Results show that the flax‑fibre/epoxy profiles achieve low-to-moderate tensile strengths, stiffness comparable to structural timber, exhibit progressive, damage‑tolerant failure, and attain an embodied carbon of about 12.2 kg CO2‑eq/m, exceeding a 70% reduction relative to conventional aluminium profiles with ≈ 51.1 kg CO2‑eq/m. The profiles satisfy key criteria for wind load resistance and self‑weight but remain limited by lower stiffness than aluminium, unresolved fire performance, uncertain long‑term hygrothermal durability, and thermoset‑driven end‑of‑life constraints.

The report concludes that flax‑fibre/epoxy curtain wall profiles constitute a technically feasible and environmentally promising proof of concept rather than a direct drop‑in replacement for aluminium. It contributes a complete, profile‑scale evaluation framework and a validated manufacturing route, thereby providing a basis for further research on bio‑based façade profiles in the context of low‑carbon and circular construction. ... Read more

This research focuses on developing sustainable alternatives for acoustic panels and noise-mitigating structures in infrastructural and urban environments. It addresses both the environmental impact of current solutions and the effects of urban noise stress. Through material and product development, different strategies are explored to absorb traffic and urban noise and improve the quality of dense urban environments.

The initial literature research examines noise mitigation strategies, existing acoustic materials and products, sustainable materials for the built environment, and Key Performance Indicators for assessing newly developed solutions. The aim is to create a durable, low-carbon alternative to commonly used outdoor products made from concrete, glass, perforated aluminium and mineral wool.

The material research focuses on porous fillers, foamed materials and perforated structures. Parameters such as pore size, panel thickness, surface texture and density influence sound absorption. Samples were tested with an impedance tube across high, mid and low frequencies, with the main focus on 400 to 2500 Hz, considered a critical range for human noise disturbance. Grasshopper with Aeolus was also used to support design decisions and explore acoustic panel geometries for urban scenarios.

Various material samples were produced to maximise sound absorption within the target frequency range. Porous fillers, foamed samples and perforated panels were developed and assessed. Foaming procedures, perforation rates and backing cavities were explored in relation to Helmholtz resonance. Variables such as particle size, heating temperature, baking time, filler volume and weight fraction significantly affected both acoustic and material performance. Temperature variations between 100 and 160 °C were investigated, and each material was evaluated using a grading tool.

The results indicate that several developed configurations could become viable alternatives to current sound mitigation products. Perforated materials combined with a reed structure and cavity showed strong sound absorption based on the Helmholtz principle. Foamed furfuryl alcohol materials, particularly furan resin from Biorez, also demonstrated relevant absorption within the target range, with sound absorption coefficients of 0.8 to 0.9 achieved in several frequency bands.

Additional tests assessed flexural strength, impact resistance, moisture uptake, UV resistance and weather resistance. The best-performing final product combined a perforated 8040 Fire Hemp front panel with 20–30% open area, an absorbing backing material and a 40 mm cavity. A 100 mm reed layer was used in this study. Among the foamed materials, the cork-based S3 sample achieved a sound absorption coefficient of 0.85 at 1500 Hz.

To conclude, the research demonstrates a promising circular strategy for low-carbon acoustic products in infrastructure and urban environments.
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This thesis presents a method of reinforcing Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs) using woven bamboo fibres to improve compressive strength for potential load-bearing applications. While MBCs offer advantages such as biodegradability, low embodied energy and the use of agricultural waste streams, their limited structural capacity currently restricts their application in structural systems.

The research investigates how reinforcement geometry, scaffold porosity, substrate density and unit cell size influence the growth behaviour and mechanical performance of MBCs. Inspired by traditional weaving techniques, woven bamboo mats were developed as reinforcement scaffolds using variations in strip width, thickness and grid spacing to control porosity and density. Bamboo was selected due to its high stiffness, accessibility and compatibility with mycelial growth, while hemp was identified as the most suitable secondary substrate for improved binding and density.

The material system was further developed into a constant 50 mm thick section incorporating two layers of woven bamboo mat reinforcement. Compression testing validated the contribution of bamboo reinforcement, where the large width strip (10mm) of woven bamboo specimen achieved a compressive strength of 1.157 MPa compared to 0.692 MPa for the specimen without bamboo reinforcement. Comparisons between large-width (10 mm) and small-width (5 mm) woven mats also demonstrated the importance of scaffold cell size, with the smaller grid achieving 0.717 MPa and complete delamination. Similar behaviour was observed during Stage 2A, where the larger grid configuration showed improved survival during contamination and better mycelial growth.

Further comparisons between bamboo origin types demonstrated the importance of fibre texture and surface characteristics for mycelial binding. Overall, the research demonstrates a framework for material-driven and performance-based design in engineered MBC systems reinforced with woven bamboo fibres, contributing toward the development of load-bearing bio-based construction materials. ... Read more

This research investigates the potential of wastewater-derived extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), commercially recovered as Kaumera, as a bio-based stabiliser for earth construction. The study addresses a gap in existing literature concerning the use of secondary biopolymers recovered from wastewater treatment as alternatives to conventional cementitious stabilisers.
A research-through-making methodology was adopted. Compressed earth block specimens incorporating EPS in both dry powder and gel form were produced and evaluated through compressive strength testing, water resistance testing, and qualitative assessment of aesthetic and sensory characteristics. Multiple experimental series were undertaken to investigate the influence of binder format, concentration, curing procedures, and soil composition.
The results demonstrate a consistent positive relationship between EPS content and water resistance. Gel-based formulations were particularly effective, with specimens remaining intact after prolonged submersion and significantly outperforming unstabilised controls. Increased EPS content also improved surface quality, reduced drying cracks, and enhanced edge definition. In contrast, compressive strength results were highly variable. While certain gel formulations achieved strength increases of 30-48% relative to baseline samples, subsequent test series produced contradictory outcomes. Dry EPS formulations consistently reduced compressive strength and were therefore considered unsuitable under the tested conditions.
The findings suggest that EPS has considerable potential as a durability-enhancing stabiliser for earthen materials. Proposed applications include erosion protection elements, exterior earth plasters, and earth-based acoustic barriers. Although further investigation is required to understand the underlying stabilisation mechanisms and long-term performance, the research establishes a promising foundation for the use of wastewater-derived biopolymers in circular construction systems. ... Read more

The cement industry is responsible for approximately 7-8% of global CO2 emissions, and total sector emissions have continued to rise since 2015. Geopolymer concrete (GPC), produced by alkali-activating aluminosilicate waste materials instead of calcining limestone, could reduce these emissions by 40-80% depending on mix design. The Netherlands generates large volumes of construction and demolition waste that could serve as GPC precursors, but whether these streams are available in consistent quality remains unclear. This research combines expert interviews, a RILEM training course, a site visit to Renewi, and a structured literature review to map Dutch material flows and benchmark GPC against OPC and UHPC. The findings confirm that sufficient precursor material exists, but that systematic improvements in demolition practice, quality control and regulatory frameworks are needed before GPC can be reliably deployed as a structural architectural material. ... Read more

This report details the design and research process for the Architectural Engineering Studio 2025-2026 submission by Sam Meeuwis. It shows the deisgn and research for 3D printed geopolymer floating urban housing district. ... Read more

This thesis explores the feasibility of constructing a flexible insulated glazing unit (IGU) using chemically strengthened thin-glass to enable higher cold bending curvatures. The research focuses on identifying optimal material combinations and structural configurations to accommodate significant deformation without compromising integrity. Both numerical modelling and physical testing were employed. In the absence of sufficient data, material properties were experimentally derived to enhance model accuracy. Strain gauges were used to validate simulations against real-world tests. Findings demonstrate that a thin-glass IGU can endure corner deformations of up to 16.3 cm, offering a performance enhancement of 4.2 times over traditional fully tempered glass units. These panels have a curvature constant of 0.112. A case study is performed to investigate how well the panels would perform in a real situation. ... Read more

This study presents a computational and experimental framework for translating arbitrary doubly curved surfaces into 3D-printed, deployable structures based on programmable mechanical metamaterials. A rotating-polygon auxetic lattice is employed for its ability to expand or contract while preserving in-plane geometry. A dynamic-relaxation workflow implemented in Grasshopper/Kangaroo links flattened and target configurations through a global equal-length constraint, automatically resolving element dimensions and hinge rotations. This approach is validated on test shapes with three types of curvature: mono-, syn-, and anticlastic. Physical models of these test shapes were printed to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.
In addition, the potential for scaling the system to full-scale structures was explored through large-format additive manufacturing. Deployment techniques were investigated, and discussions with industry experts informed decisions on manufacturability and material selection. Full-scale printing trials were conducted to balance the flexibility required for compliant hinges with the rigidity needed in structural elements.
Finally, the developed method was applied to a case study: a temporary shelter for festivals and events. A deployable design was created, and optimisation strategies were explored for both the surface geometry and the applied lattice grid. Finite element analyses were performed to evaluate deformations during deployment as well as structural performance under operational loads. A 1:10 scale prototype was constructed to illustrate how the structure can be divided into printable segments and assembled to form the complete system.
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This thesis investigates an innovative tensile-based prefabricated façade panel, with the aim of delivering a stiff, lightweight, thermally broken, and highly reconfigurable system within a thin profile. The proposed concept is evaluated through dynamic relaxation simulations, finite element analysis (FEA), and physical prototyping to reveal its structural behaviour and design characteristics.
Beyond assessing the initial concept, the study also explores and analyses alternative configurations, comparing them to conventional light gauge steel framing (LGSF) systems. Expert interviews were conducted to evaluate the façade’s feasibility, practical implications, and potential future applications based on industry insights.
The findings indicate that the tensile-based façade panel is unlikely to outperform or compete with established solutions in typical residential or office applications. Key limitations include insufficient stiffness, manufacturing and installation complexity, and higher maintenance requirements.
The research concludes by recommending further exploration into alternative applications that are complimentary to the panels structural characteristics, including integration with ETFE or other membrane-based panels, lightweight overcladding systems, closed cavity façades (CCF), and tent-like all-in-one modular structures.
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Bio composites façade panels are an example of circular building products. Using circular products not only decreases embodied carbon, it also contributes not to exhaust natural resources (by recycling them). However if such a building product is a their end of life, they end up as waste (landfill) or are being incinerated, the embodied carbon is released again.
To find an better solution for their end of life, recycling of these bio composite façade panels is researched by recycling the material into filler for a new bio composite façade application that meet the requirements. The main research question focuses on:
“How can bio composite façade panels at their end of life be recycled into new bio composite façade panels while maintaining or increasing their high performance properties and freedom of design?”
In this research this was tested through experimental testing where different recycled fillers were compared to the virgin almond shell filler. The different fillers were tested on mechanical, durability and functional properties that are vital to façade applications.
The results of the experimental testing showed that the recycled filler samples have potential as façade applicants. The mechanical strength is lower compared to the virgin filler sample, but the durability properties are higher. In terms of workability, the higher the filler load the more workable the samples are. In the visual 3D panel testing it became clear that the recycled filler samples have a less smooth finished surface. As a façade panel it is important to withstand wind loads, weathering, impacts and be aesthetically pleasing.
Recycling bio composite façade panels can be realized. Some properties are lower compared to the original product, but with the right adjustments they can be used in a façade applicant. A more functional application such as a corner panel would be more suitable for this material given the visual appearance of the surface.
This research shows promising results, but more research needs to be done on the usage of recycled bio composites in façade panels. ... Read more

The construction sector is a significant contributor to the CO2 footprint in the Netherlands, emitting greenhouse gases that harm the global environment. To mitigate these emissions, all sectors must lower their CO2 emission. In construction, an effective strategy is reducing the use of primary materials through component reuse. However, flaws in glass components often result in the replacement of the entire panel. This research focuses on reusing glass panels to reduce waste and CO2 emissions. Through thermal treatment, aged glass could potentially be reused without compromising structural integrity. The glass used in this study is 15-year-old annealed soda-lime silica glass. The main research question is: To what extent can thermal treatment enhance the strength of naturally aged glass, affecting their potential for reuse?

Naturally aged glass, developing surface flaws over time from environmental exposure and human activity, was studied alongside artificially aged glass to assess differences in surface damage and thermal treatment effects. Microscopy and image analysis showed that naturally aged glass treated at 500°C and 600°C exhibited no clear healing trend. In contrast, artificially aged glass treated at 500°C caused minimal changes, while at 600°C, scratch width increased due to subcritical crack growth and a yellow discolouration occurred. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed chemical changes on the air side of the glass, as the metal coating oxidizes during thermal treatment, altering the surface composition.

The strength of aged glass was evaluated using a coaxial double-ring test at 20 MPa/s, with results analysed via the 2-parameter Weibull distribution and weighted least squares regression. The tests revealed clear differences between naturally and artificially aged glass. Thermal treatment reduced the strength of naturally aged glass, with the 5% fractile decreasing by 28% after heating to 500°C and by 56% after heating to 600°C. In contrast, artificially aged glass improved, with the 5% fractile increasing by 13% after heating to 500°C and by 41% after heating to 600°C. SCALP-05 measurements assess surface stress in three groups: untreated glass, and glass treated at 500°C and 600°C. The average surface stresses measured were -6.49 MPa, -2.76 MPa, and -2.30 MPa. Although thermal treatment reduced surface stress, this effect was insufficient to influence overall strength conclusions.

The influence of thermal treatment on surface flaws differs between naturally and artificially aged glass. Microscopy showed minimal changes in naturally aged glass despite reduced strength, while artificially aged glass appeared visually worse but showed strength improvements in strength testing. This is likely due to the primary failure mode: artificially aged glass is strengthened by healing of dominant scratches, whereas naturally aged glass is mainly affected by overall material weakening.

This research assessed whether thermal treatment could restore the strength of naturally aged glass for reuse. However, the results demonstrated that thermal treatment not only failed to enhance the strength of naturally aged glass but also caused a noticeable reduction in strength. Additionally, yellow discolouration occurred during thermal treatment. In conclusion, thermal treatment compromised both the strength and appearance of naturally aged glass, limiting its feasibility for reuse in construction.
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This research explores the potential of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) as a sustainable and innovative building material, emphasizing the critical importance of adopting material-driven approaches to fully explore the unique properties of MBC.By focusing on the material itself, this study investigates the processes involved in its manufacturing, the interaction between fungal species and substrates, and the optimal environmental conditions for optimizing its mechanical and functional properties.

Through a multidisciplinary approach combining material science, engineering, and architectural design, this research presents an integrated process of experimentation and prototype development that results in the creation of complex-shaped partition wall blocks. These blocks are made entirely from MBCs, using mycelium as both the primary material and the bio-based binder, highlighting the potential of MBC to replace traditional materials in non-load bearing building applications. The study demonstrates that mycelium-based composites can be engineered into lightweight and biodegradable building components, offering significant advantages in terms of sustainability and circularity.

While challenges remain in terms of the mechanical strength and durability of MBCs compared to conventional building materials, this research highlights the potential for material-driven innovation. The results show several versatile applications such as wall panels, non-structural components, and partition elements. By increasing the knowledge of the properties and behaviour of mycelium-based composites, this study lays the foundation for the integration of bio-based materials into sustainable building practices and encourages further research into optimizing their life cycle and scalability. The resulting innovative partition wall block represents one of the many options possible with MBC, and is a significant step towards a circular, nature-inspired approach to building technology. ... Read more

The performance of a building envelope is crucial for minimizing operational carbon emissions and maintaining indoor comfort. Contemporary building envelopes, such as highly engineered glazed façades, achieve high performance levels but also add a significant amount of embodied carbon. For example, a 1mm reduction in glass thickness could save 7.7 kgCO2eq/m2. There is therefore an incentive to reduce the thickness of the glass panels, but the minimum thickness possible is often not governed by strength or manufacturing limits but rather by the deflection (serviceability) limits. Despite objective criteria guiding serviceability limits, occupant acceptance of deformation remains unexplored, leading to conservative designs. This research introduces a novel method for measuring occupant’s perception of glass deformations, aiming to establish acceptance thresholds comparable to objective criteria. An experimental campaign was conducted to assess volunteers' levels of perception and acceptance of various glass deformations. The glass was deformed using an electro-pneumatic system at levels corresponding to below, above, and at the current serviceability limit. The results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring human responses to deformations in the glazing and provide essential data for setting serviceability limits. The experiments indicate that, based on occupant feedback, the current serviceability limit of L/50 may be relaxed, thereby presenting opportunities for material efficiency, such as the adoption of thinner glass in facades. The methodology effectively captures human responses, revealing heightened perception of glazing movement at night and a higher acceptance during the day. Changes in reflection were the primary reason for the perception of movement, with lower acceptability at night. Overall, participants felt safe regardless of their prior knowledge on glass properties, and providing this information to participants did not improve acceptance, which was already sufficiently high. The findings from this research fill an important knowledge gap in understanding occupant acceptance of glass deformations, crucial for comprehensive user satisfaction assessments and evidence-based reductions in glazing thickness. ... Read more

The world is currently experiencing a major global warming problem, and the construction industry stands out as one of the major contributors to a high percentage of carbon emissions. This is primarily due to the usage and production of materials. When buildings are examined in detail, it becomes evident that floor systems constitute a significant portion of the construction within buildings. Essential structural components, such as concrete and steel, along with small-scale building materials used across diverse applications, are major contributors to high carbon emissions. These materials are primarily non-bio-based, emit unhealthy gases during production, and have limited sources.

In response to this problem, there is an urgent need to shift towards using alternative materials in the construction industry and explore materials and methods that are renewable, local, bio-based, biodegradable, and do not produce harmful substances during their production. Therefore, this research aims to map out the possibilities of bio-based materials that have the potential to be structural components but have not been extensively detailed in the literature. In the context of this thesis, flax fibers and bio-based polymers that can potentially replace petroleum-based products are chosen. Adopting a research-by-experiment approach, various bio-based materials for the core material will be tested to identify the most suitable core material for the sandwich floor system. Besides, for the face sheet, flax fibers with a PLA matrix have been chosen. In turn, the sandwich is produced by a PLA core and Flax/PLA composite.

The results highlight that the proposed materials are capable of resisting necessary loads for residential building construction. Additionally, the floor panel possesses high environmental positive properties and low carbon emissions during its production stages. It is expected that this material proposes a new system that can become mainstream in the construction industry as a sustainable option by replacing conventional methods. However, the material also has a higher cost compared to a residential concrete hollow core system. Additionally, the life cycle analysis of the product should be conducted to better understand the LCA of the material. In general, by contributing valuable knowledge in the realm of sustainable construction materials, this research aligns with global goals for eco-friendly practices and underscores the potential for carbon-neutral materials to bring transformative advancements in structural applications within the construction industry. ... Read more

Building construction accounts for roughly 36% of global energy consumption and emits about 39% of CO2 from energy use [9]. Consequently, there is a growing push to adopt sustainable construction methods and utilize materials with low embodied energy [10]. As buildings stand as major contributors to CO2 emissions, the focus is shifting towards timber as a building material choice. Timber is renewable, stores carbon, and boasts low embodied carbon from production [11]. However, while high-rise timber frames represent a significant step in integrating timber at a larger scale, their connections often rely on steel, contributing to increased embodied carbon.
This thesis explores the resurgence of interest in wood-to-wood connections as a response to sustainability imperatives in modern construction. It examines the historical significance of timber joinery, the current state of sustainable construction, and the potential of engineered timber products in reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, the thesis investigates modern innovations in timber connections, focusing on the development of ductile and eco-friendly alternatives to steel fasteners. Through theoretical frameworks, experimental studies, and structural validations, this research aims to understand the impact of implementing timber dry joints on the embodied carbon of high-rise timber building frames. Results reveal that while timber dry joints offer potential in reducing embodied carbon, their effectiveness varies. While they can reduce the need for steel fasteners, their impact on lowering embodied carbon is limited. Conversely, the integration of continuous beams and multiple-span floor systems proves to significantly reduce embodied carbon in timber building frames.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches in optimizing timber building frames for sustainability, highlighting the potential of innovative design strategies in achieving carbon reduction goals.
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This thesis investigates the integration of reinforcement learning (RL) techniques to enhance inspection and maintenance planning for timber structures, considering the increasing impact of climate change on their structural integrity. Timber, a critical material in historical construction, is vulnerable to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and biological degradation. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by climate change, leading to significant alterations in mechanical properties and thereby challenging the longevity and safety of these structures.
Given the dynamic nature of these challenges, traditional inspection methods, which rely heavily on manual processes and individual expertise, are insufficient. This research employs machine learning to develop a predictive maintenance model that adapts to the evolving conditions affecting timber. The model aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of inspections and maintenance planning, facilitating timely interventions to preserve the structural integrity of timber constructions.
This study addresses several key questions: identifying the principal factors influencing timber degradation, understanding the impact of climate change on these factors, evaluating current maintenance strategies, and determining the most suitable RL techniques for this application. Additionally, the research explores methods to optimize the RL model for reliability and accuracy, methods for validating and evaluating the model's planning capabilities, and strategies to enhance the interpretability of RL outputs for practical use in the field.
By leveraging advanced RL methodologies, this thesis contributes to the field of timber engineering and proposes a scalable and adaptable solution to enhance sustainable construction practices in response to evolving climate patterns.
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This thesis explores the potential of integrating waste-based fillers from the food waste industry into bio-composites for facade applications.
The limited use of waste materials in building products, combined with a rising demand in sustainable materials, leaves the opportunity for new fully bio-based building material from underutilised by-products.
The approach involves integrating organic waste as granular filler into polymeric composites.
The methodology consists of a literature review and three experimental phases: identifying and evaluating various food waste sources for the use as fillers, optimizing grain size and composition of the recipe, and assessing the best-performing filler combinations in facade panel designs regarding sustainability and structural merits.

Spent coffee and walnut shells were identified as promising fillers, while the shells of cacao beans, de-oiled coffee grounds and cherry pits did not perform well as fillers. The walnut shell composites, especially those with 55% filler of a blend of different grain sizes, resulted in the most promising balance between of mechanical properties and filler content.

The results indicate that walnut shell-based composites exhibit promising structural characteristics and a lower carbon impact compared to conventional facade materials. However, further research is required to explore their potential in other applications. This project illustrates the viability of using bio-composites with waste-based fillers in building products, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. ... Read more

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the construction industry faces the dual challenges of material scarcity and the environmental impact of its material usage. This thesis explores the potential of hybrid structures, specifically employing reused wooden elements, to address these challenges and transition towards a zero-waste economy. The research investigates the application of computational design and digital fabrication techniques in order to maximize the reuse of wooden structural elements without the need for remanufacturing, thereby reducing waste and carbon footprint. Using the TU Delft modelling hall of the BK faculty, this study introduces a new approach that combines stock-constrained design with additive manufacturing. This approach utilizes 3D printing technology to create flexible, adaptable connections that accommodate the irregular dimensions of reclaimed wood, thus optimizing the use of available materials. The study evaluates the environmental impact through a life-cycle assessment. In the end it will compare the proposed method to the traditional construction practice and other methods that stimulate the reuse of wood. The findings indicate that the proposed hybrid design methodology effectively reduces waste over the successive generations. However, the data also reveals that the carbon footprint has not yet decreased. Further research is necessary to identify the next steps for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a sustainable, zero-waste methodology. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical application, offering a scalable model that can eventually be implemented in real-world scenarios to promote a circular economy in the building sector. ... Read more