The research group Biobased Construction focuses on the collection, development, exchange & impact and dissemination of knowledge on the application of biobased materials in building and civil engineering. The scope of the research group relates to residential, commercial and industrial buildings, existing and new buildings, foundations, construction, facade and roof finishes, interior finishes and floor coverings and civil applications in road construction and hydraulic engineering.
Professor Frank Huijben’s research group Biobased Construction comprises lecturing researchers with backgrounds in civil engineering, building engineering and architecture from Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences. These lecturing researchers carry out practice-based research together with companies both within the Netherlands and around the world, as well as research institutions and students. This usually takes place by means of subsidised and educational projects.
Focus
The research group’s preferential focus is on building materials and systems based on residual agricultural materials from the region. It looked at Avans and HZ University of Applied Sciences’ strengths and decided to concentrate on:
- Materials and composites made from flax, hemp, bamboo and wood.
- Insulating materials: flax hemplime, mycelium, reeds, straw, and algae
Paints and varnishes are not actively investigated due to overlap with the research group Biobased Building Block & Products.
The research group has, moreover, expressed a leaning towards investigating bio-based building materials manufactured or used by companies in the Dutch provinces of Zeeland and Noord-Brabant, the idea being to establish sustainable networks with opportunities for local employment and start-ups in the region.
What does the research group have to offer?
- Together with 40 companies and knowledge-based institutions who participate in the Green Deal Biobased Building, MNEXT has developed the bio-based building knowledge bank www.biobasedbouwen.nl. . Through this knowledge bank, everyone – from building supervisor to policymaker and client – can gather and share knowledge on the availability and potential applications of biobased materials, products and building concepts.
- The Research Group Biobased Construction carries out applied research for and with companies. We always involve students in these projects. If you have a practice-based question that falls within one of our research topics, please contact us. We will then look at whether and how we can address the question and the possibilities for acquiring a grant to do so, together with you.
- We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic lecturers who are keen to come and join our research team. We have hours available for this. If you are interested, please contact us.
- We try to involve students in our research as much as possible and can therefore offer interesting minor projects, work placements and graduation assignments. You can find the details on our website.
Development of the Biobased Bridge
Watch more video’s:
– Opening Biobased Brug
– Biobased Bouwen MOOC
– Minor CO2 negatief ontwerpen
– Biobased brug bij Omroep Brabant met Willem Böttger