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 thesis investigates how locally excavated soil from Rotterdam could be translated into reproducible unstabilised compressed earth blocks rather than remaining within low-value fill or disposal pathways. Instead of treating production as a universal recipe, it examines how the behaviour and characterisation of a local soil inform its processing, mix composition and assessment. To address this, the study combines a literature review with laboratory testing. The experimental work included geotechnical identification, particle-size analysis, mineralogical and environmental assessment, followed by specimen production, compaction trials, and compressive-strength testing.
On this basis, controlled mixtures were developed to investigate workability, optimise composition and evaluate the influence of key parameters such as compaction moisture, particle-size distribution and press loads. The study establishes the general suitability of the excavated soil, while identifying main limitations, processing constraints, and the governing parameters for mechanical performance.
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The transition towards circular façade systems requires material solutions that integrate waste upcycling, architectural quality, thermal moderation, and structural safety without relying on irreversible multi-material assemblies. This research investigates the transformation of glass waste into resilient, high-performance, and circular translucent façade panels. The proposed system is conceived as an all-glass panel, entirely made of glass waste, comprising dense marble-like glass skins for visual and surface performance, a porous foamed-glass core for thermal insulation and weight reduction, and engineered interfaces for post-fracture redundancy. Its primary contribution is the first experimental integration of safety-by-design and safety-by-material engineering strategies within the engineered, all-glass panels.

Through iterative kiln-based prototyping and material characterisation, the study demonstrates that underutilised glass waste streams can be processed into differentiated functional layers. For the foam core, sugar beet factory lime (SBFL) proved to be the most effective waste-derived foaming agent, with an optimum addition of 2.5 wt%. Fluorescent-lamp and PV-glass foams achieved low thermal conductivities of 0.070–0.074 W/mK, indicating that strict glass purity is not essential for thermal-core production. Dense skins were developed as protective and illuminating marble-like layers. Shard-based compositions produced the strongest marble-like appearance and the highest visible-light transmittance, reaching 33.60%. Vertical casting enhanced gravity-driven veining and surface quality, while PV-glass colour variations demonstrated that residual contamination could become an aesthetic design parameter rather than a defect. A user perception study (n = 31) further confirmed the architectural potential of this approach. Although impact testing did not yet validate a façade-ready safety system, it identified promising directions for post-fracture control. Product-scale evaluation showed that the panel can be tuned for different combinations of thermal performance, translucency, weight reduction, and architectural expression.

Overall, this research establishes an initial experimental framework for multi-performance and circular all-glass façade panels. Full-scale safety validation, fabrication reproducibility, and façade integration remain essential future research directions. ... Read more

The reuse of large-scale structural glass panels is significantly limited by existing connection systems. The existing connection methods either permanently alter the glass panel or leave residual damage upon disassembly, resulting in the disposal of structurally intact panels. This thesis investigates the feasibility of developing a fully demountable connection system for large-scale structural glass applications that addresses this gap.

The proposed system, uni.conn, introduces a mechanically controlled interlocking connection that meets the required structural performance benchmarks while allowing the connection to be attached, repositioned, and removed without permanently modifying the glass panel. The system consists of three components: a glass module with a modified rebated edge profile, a three-part mechanical insert comprising a pin, link and sleeve, and a gasket that acts as the load-transferring interface between the insert and the glass. The interlocking and separation of the pin and link is controlled by an external magnetic field, enabling disassembly without mechanical intervention at the connection itself. The structural behaviour of the system is investigated through load path analysis and finite element analysis at a product level using ANSYS Workbench.

The results demonstrate that uni.conn enables glass panels to be reused across different structural configurations without being constrained by specific connection locations or damage upon disassembly. While developed at concept level, the findings contribute to the broader effort of improving circular practice in the glass industry. ... Read more

Insulated glass units (IGUs) are essential components of contemporary energy-efficient building envelopes. The most conventional edge seal design in an IGU is the dual-sealed metal spacer. Although float glass is highly durable and recyclable, the service life of an IGU is limited to 20 - 30 years due to the degradation of sealants. UV exposure, thermal cycling, moisture ingress and mechanical stresses can compromise the durability leading to gas leakage, condensation within the cavity and reduced thermal performance. Furthermore, the permanent adhesion between glass panes, sealants and spacer prevents clean disassembly and often leads to contamination of glass cullet during recycling processes. As a result, most end-of-life IGUs are downcycled, mechanically crushed or disposed of as mixed construction waste rather than being reused or recycled into high-quality applications. Existing industry innovations have predominantly focused on improving thermal performance through warm-edge technologies, while the challenges of durability and circularity remain largely unresolved.
This research address the gap between thermal performance optimisation and the need for edge seal systems that simultaneously extend service life and support circular design strategies. Therefore, the objective of this master’s thesis is to redesign the edge seal component of insulated glass units (IGUs) through material innovation and research-informeddesign, to enhance durability and enable circularity, while maintaining the required performance of IGUs and ensuring compatibility with standard façade systems.
Through literature-based exploration and systematic evaluation of the current-state-of the-art and its limitations and by looking into the requirements and regulations according to the literature and the NEN norms and standards, a list of design criteria, to which a redesign of the IGU edge seal component should comply, was formed. These criteria included thermal, mechanical, moisture and gas resistance requirements, as well as additional criteria related to durability, demountability, contamination, and circularity. The analyses demonstrate that the spacer and sealant components require fundamentally different material properties and therefore cannot be effectively replaced by a single material category. Material screening using the Granta EduPack database software combined with technical innovative literature-based connection research demonstrated that the most promising redesign strategy for the IGU edge seal system consists of combining a heat-bonded glass spacer connection with a flexible and preferably thermally debondable polymer-based sealant system. Experimental investigations demonstrated that glass fusion can create a durable and contamination-free connection. In addition, a thermally debondable connection using PETG showed potential as a reversible sealing strategy.
The resulting hybrid edge seal concept was evaluated against predefined design criteria. The results indicate that the concept can provide high thermal insulation, mechanical stability, environmental resistance, and air- and watertightness while significantly improving circularity. By limiting contamination to a single removable side and enabling future disassembly, the design facilitates reuse, remanufacturing, and high-quality recycling of glass panes. Furthermore, the replacement of conventional metal spacers reduces thermal bridging and contributes to improved thermal performance. Although the concept remains at a proof-of-concept stage and requires further validation through accelerated ageing, durability testing, and full-scale prototyping, the findings demonstrate the potential of redesigning the IGU edge seal as a strategy to simultaneously improve durability and circularity. The research contributes to the growing field of circular façade design by shifting the focus from end-of-life management towards design-level interventions that address the root causes of premature IGU replacement. Demonstrating how material innovation and research informed design can support the development of durable and more circular glazing  systems.  ... Read more

The increasing use of timber in architecture has intensified concerns regarding the reliance on synthetic adhesives, particularly in relation to environmental impact and indoor air quality. This thesis explores whether hot-pressure welding can be a viable alternative for synthetic adhesives in Engineered Wood Products. An exploratory experimental approach was used to identify key manufacturing parameters and evaluate the performance of welded wood, validated by the development of a proof-of-concept and a minimum viable product. The results indicate although limited bonding can be achieved under specific conditions, hot-pressure welded wood is not yet a viable alternative to synthetic adhesives in Engineered Wood Products. The technique is limited to thin veneers, has a low moisture resistance and lacks mechanical validation. These findings are relevant for both researchers and practitioners in sustainable construction, as it establishes a third wood welding technique, with its respective limitations. Future research should focus on understanding bonding mechanisms, conducting mechanical and durability testing, optimising processing conditions, and assessing scalability and environmental performance. ... Read more

Segmented cast-glass assemblies show high potential for transparent, compression-dominated architectural structures, but their reliance on permanent bonding methods currently limits disassembly, reuse, and closed-loop recycling. Directly 3D-printing polymer interlayers onto glass components offers a promising route toward mechanically interlocked, adhesive-free connections. However, the resulting glass–polymer adhesion, thermal stability, interlocking geometry, structural performance, and end-of-life removability require further investigation. This research therefore aims to optimise the material behaviour and geometric interlocking design of an additively manufactured polymer interlayer to achieve reversible and structurally reliable dry-fit connections between planar cast-glass units.

The study followed an iterative research-through-design methodology combining literature review, material screening, geometric development, vault-scale design application, mechanical validation, and demountability testing. Six FDM polymers were directly printed onto glass to evaluate adhesion reliability, thermal behaviour, and substrate recovery. Simultaneously, interlocking typologies were evaluated to define a printable hybrid geometry. For mechanical validation, the three most promising materials were combined with four variants of the developed hybrid interlocking typology, resulting in twelve glass–interlayer–glass specimens tested under combined normal and shear loading.

The material experiments identified reinforced PET-based polymers as the most viable direction, with PETG-CF providing the most favourable balance between adhesion, dimensional stability, print quality, and damage limitation. The final geometry combined distributed surface-based engagement with a removable-key locking mechanism, transferring shear forces through mechanical interlocking rather than permanent bonding. The demountable vault case study established a design shear demand of 1.10 kN per full interlayer. PETG-CF specimens significantly exceeded this demand; the two final geometries both showed utilisation factors below 0.19, with one providing the highest mechanical performance and the other offering the best balance between shear capacity, non-destructive removal, and material recovery.

This research demonstrates that a directly printed, mechanically interlocking polymer interlayer can provide a structurally effective and reversible connection strategy for planar cast-glass components. Thereby, it advances cast-glass construction beyond permanent bonding towards a validated proof-of-concept for adaptable, demountable, and circular structural glass assemblies. ... Read more

Architecture can be understood as the practice of bringing together the different pieces of a complex puzzle to create meaningful living environments. Its aim is to respond to the needs of future users by integrating knowledge, expertise, and perspectives from multiple disciplines.

In this project, material became the central piece of that puzzle. Biorock, an innovative material with potential applications in the construction sector, formed the starting point of both the research and the architectural design. Produced through an electrochemical process in seawater, Biorock grows a layer of calcium carbonate on a lightweight steel structure using only a small electrical current. Its minimal demand for energy and raw materials makes it a promising material for more sustainable forms of construction.

The research combined theoretical and experimental approaches. The theoretical investigation focused on understanding the material’s growth process, properties, and potential through knowledge from various fields, including chemical engineering, civil engineering, and marine biology. The experimental research explored how this understanding could be translated into architectural applications and detailing.

Beyond bringing together different areas of expertise, Biorock also offered the opportunity to connect two worlds: human and marine environments. The project therefore expands the definition of the architectural user, considering not only people but also surrounding ecosystems. The resulting design focuses on coastal and marine environments, proposing a marine education and research centre that raises public awareness of these ecosystems while actively contributing to their restoration and protection.

Ôde à la mer demonstrates the potential of Biorock as a starting point for future-proof architecture. By integrating ecological processes into the built environment, the project tries to bridge the gap between human and marine ecosystems and explore new ways of designing with, rather than against, nature.
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Rural and low-income housing in Assam, India, is undergoing a quiet but dangerous transition. The traditional Assam-type house - a lightweight bamboo and timber-framed structure with a documented record of surviving major earthquakes - is being replaced by unreinforced masonry and concrete, materials that perform poorly under seismic load. Two pressures drive this shift: a cultural perception of concrete as modern, and the increasing scarcity of structural timber. The result is a significant increase in seismic risk for the communities that are most vulnerable.
This thesis asks whether the structural and vernacular logic of the Assam-type house can be carried forward in a modular form that competes with concrete and masonry. The proposed answer is a modular bamboo wall system, developed using the Modular Function Deployment Adapted (MFDA) method through two design iterations. The system uses Guadua bamboo as a structural proxy for native Assam species, IS 1893 for seismic loading, and a parametric Karamba3D model to compare bracing configurations against hard and soft criteria covering modularity, buildability, structural, and seismic performance.
The final system comprises three module types: a 1×3 structural culm module, a panel cladding module, and a corner steel-cable bracing module. It satisfies all hard criteria, achieves a modelled storey drift of 1.57% against an 8% benchmark, weighs 49 kg in its heaviest module, and is buildable on-site by two people using only hand tools. The cable bracing acts as a ductile fuse, dissipating seismic energy in tension yield before any bamboo element reaches its compressive limit.
The result is a viable design proposition: a modular bamboo wall system that, pending full-scale physical testing and material substitution with native Assam species, offers a structurally sound, locally buildable, and culturally continuous alternative to the masonry and concrete construction currently displacing the Assam-type house.
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The event industry's reliance on carbon-intensive materials necessitates the exploration of biobased alternatives. While bamboo possesses an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, its biological variance, high susceptibility to longitudinal splitting, and the lack of standardized, non-destructive joinery severely restrict its use in rapidly deployable festival environments. This research investigates how to develop a modular, easily demountable bamboo construction system that meets the rigorous safety, logistical, and architectural requirements of temporary event stage designs.

Employing a research-through-design methodology, the study synthesized theoretical mechanics, regulatory safety standards, and empirical insights from industry professionals. Through an iterative process of Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA), 1:1 physical prototyping, mechanical strength testing, and (digital) structural simulations, a braced framework topology was developed. The finalized system operates on an expanded 1.0m, 1.5m, and 2.0m modular grid, utilizing bundled quadruple-culm vertical columns to ensure structural redundancy and geometric symmetry.

To accommodate natural material irregularities without inducing stress concentrations, a non-destructive, discrete radial friction-clamp joint was engineered. Physical pull-out tests indicated a maximum tensile capacity of approximately 2 kN per joint at an 8 Nm clamping torque. Because this capacity is insufficient to independently resist critical wind-induced tensile loads, an active global pre-tensioning strategy using diagonal straps was implemented. 2D structural simulations verified that applying a 4.0 kN prestress successfully neutralizes tensile forces, allowing the bamboo culms to safely transfer loads via pure end-bearing compression against the steel nodes.

While the physical assembly of a 1:1 scale PA-tower prototype successfully demonstrated the system's logistical feasibility and low-tool assembly potential, critical limitations remain. The current structural validation relies entirely on 2D simulations, necessitating comprehensive 3D analysis under complex stage geometries and dynamic load cases. Furthermore, the proposed “acoustic tuning” method for accurately pretensioning the diagonal straps on-site remains unverified, and the 1:4 load-capacity ratio between the single horizontal members and bundled vertical columns proved somewhat inefficient for large spanning structures. Overall, the modular bamboo system serves as a highly promising proof-of-concept for circular festival infrastructure, but requires further optimization before full-scale commercial deployment can be realized. ... Read more

This study investigates the feasibility of transforming Aberson’s A-Brick ventilated ceramic façade into an effective Active Solar Thermal Façade (ASTF) system and evaluates its thermal performance across multiple energy applications. A combination of literature review, laboratory prototype experiments, ANSYS CFD simulations, numerical calculations, and TRNSYS annual modelling is employed to assess both heat-collector and heat-exchanger operation modes. Prototype results show that the unglazed ceramic façade achieves moderate solar-collector performance, with efficiency of 15–30%, heat-removal factors of 0.25–0.35, and a relatively high heat-loss coefficient due to direct exposure and limited thermal coupling. When operating as a heat exchanger, the system delivers an overall heat-transfer coefficient of 14–25 W/m²K, strongly governed by air-side convection. Despite lower thermal performance compared with glazed collectors or fan-coil evaporators, the façade’s large usable surface compensates for these limitations.

System-level analyses demonstrate that a 10.77 m² south-facing façade can preheat 200 L of domestic hot water during spring–summer conditions, while approximately 22.8 m² of façade area is sufficient to meet the evaporator load of a 6 kW heat pump under Dutch winter design conditions. TRNSYS simulations further indicate that the integrated façade–heat-pump system can achieve a seasonal COP of around 4.2. The results confirm that the A-Brick system can be engineered into a functional ASTF with promising potential for DHW preheating and heat-pump applications, providing a viable façade-integrated renewable energy solution for residential buildings. ... 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

Due to the practicality and inexpensive nature of synthetics, large quantities of wool are going to waste. One practical application to avoid such waste could be in architecture, as wool has been established as a durable material that offers protection against the elements. However, most uses of wool in Dutch architecture are especially limited to interior decoration or small use of hidden insulation. This research will analyze how wool could be used as an architectural material by looking at the aesthetic value of wool as a product in the different shearing layers of change in a building as proposed by Brand. By using the experiment-by-design method, it will attempt to measure aesthetic experience through surveys. The resulting prototypes will be used to show how wool can be useful in architecture according to its aesthetic value. ... Read more

The transition to a circular economy is essential in the building sector, where façades account for a significant portion of material use. Current unitized façade systems are optimized for performance but not designed for future disassembly or reuse. This research explores how façade systems can be redesigned to increase their reclamation potential, using a practical, design-based approach in collaboration with Scheldebouw, a Dutch façade manufacturer.
A literature review outlines circular design principles, with a focus on Design for Disassembly, connection techniques, and methods to evaluate disassembly potential. A case study of an existing façade element is used to identify key barriers through system analysis, factory observations, and disassembly experiments.
Multiple redesigns are developed: a modular “carrier frame” that simplifies the removal of insulating glass units (IGUs), and a screw-based thermal break connection that enables partial disassembly of aluminum profiles. These innovations aim to improve adaptability and support future reuse. The proposed designs are evaluated against existing systems in terms of thermal and disassembly potential using MOST and eDim. Results showed a significant improvement in both disassembly potential and thermal performance of the new system.
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The thesis explores how plastic residues from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling, which are typically being sent to energy recovery by incineration or destined for landfills, can be transformed into injectionmolded building components. By focusing on reinforcement spacers which are located at the internal shearing layer of concrete introduces a viable application scenario for low-grade, contaminated polymers within the built environment. The research employs a dual-track methodology: a bottom-up material experimentation track and a top-down product development track with their respective evaluation parameters that sustain a feedback loop within both tracks throughout the thesis. The material experimentation track reproduces the key mechanical recycling steps at lab scale to develop a processable polymer recipe and a heating/cooling cycle for injection molding. The lab-scale mechanical recycling steps including density separation, colour sorting, FT-IR and DSC analyses which are replicated to achieve an injection moldable polymer recipe of carbon black Polypropylene/Polyethylene (PP/PE), Polypropylene, and Polystyrene. Meanwhile, the product development track iterates material source-specific designs, which are graded by the parameters in a design optimization tool. The custom multi-criteria evaluation model guides the selection of the optimal design for the contaminated waste input. The application scenario confirms the thesis’ structural compatibility and production feasibility. The thesis proves the processability of rejected plastic fractions into non-exposed recycled heroes of construction through complex and multi-iterative techniques. ... Read more

This research investigates the design and implementation of modular float glass systems that prioritize reusability and sustainability. The project addresses a significant gap in architectural practices involving glass by developing modular, demountable glass systems that can be disassembled and reused, challenging the traditional, single- use paradigm of glass in construction. Through a comprehensive review of existing glass systems and the exploration of novel connection designs, this master thesis aims to create a modular glass system as pavilion that exemplifies sustainability in architecture. The key focus is on innovating connections that allow for easy assembly and disassembly without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic values. Preliminary findings suggest this specific interlocking connection designs can enhance the life cycle and functionality of glass structures, thereby reducing their environmental impact. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Almost 40% of annual gas emmissions globally are produced by the construction sector. Due to the housing crisis of the Netherlands, the ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning wants to build almost a million dwellings before 2030, double the number of dwellings normally built in the same period. With that come greater gas emmisions. This growing amount of emissions however, can decrease drastically by using local and natural materials instead of the often used steel or concrete.

This research therefore aims to explore the potentials of natural local fibers for structural materials within new architecture. The use of these materials could reduce the carbon emissions greatly, while also bringing back the local identity of a place, that is now mostly lost due to a lot of generic, one-size-fits-all architecture.

This research begins with the investigation of local, natural materials that already have been introduced as building materials in the Netherlands historically and evaluates other natural fibers and their availability. The research soon delves into willow fibers and their properties and potentials. The final results provide an insight into the structural properties of different species of willow, a design for a structural element, its potential implementations within architectural projects and the possibilities of using this fiber on a big scale. ... 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