The graduation presentations of Max Veeger and Kazi Fahriba Mustafa took place at the TU Delft last Friday. The students have carried out research into the Bio-receptivity of concrete, which includes topical themes like climate change, air pollution, urbanisation and loss of biodiversity.
Byldis has supported the students in making prototypes and they have made good use of the expertise of Gerard Brood, concrete technologist at Byldis. Ellen van Genechten, Concept- & Application Developer at Byldis has supported the students in their research.
Max Veeger and Ellen van Genechten
Ellen van Genechten and Kazi Fahriba Mustafa
Bio-receptive
Max’s graduation project is about ‘Bio-receptive concrete facades. Towards the application of bio-receptive concrete in building envelopes’. “How can concrete be made more bio-receptive, in order to use it in a bio-receptive building façade?”. Kazi’s graduation project is about ‘Geometrically articulated Bio-receptive concrete facades’.
"A bioreceptive material is a material that supports biological growth and, if it has primary bioreceptivity, does not require a change or treatment from its original state to make it so. If a bioreceptive material is then used as a façade material, a green façade can be created without the need of the additional support structures and maintenance required by traditional green façades. The aim of this research thesis is therefore to expand upon our current knowledge of bioreceptivity by exploring its ecology and using this to create a bioreceptive concrete that could be used in building facades. This will be done by answering the following research question: How can concrete be made more bioreceptive, in order to use it in a bioreceptive building façade?”
Experience at Byldis
Both students reflect upon an educational and enjoyable experience at Byldis.
Kazi: "It was an amazing experience with Byldis. Ellen and Gerard has helped in the casting process of the bio-receptive panels. This phase has been the most important phase for the material science aspect of the project. Without the correct ratio or composition of the different raw materials, the bio-receptive quality would not be achieved, which was ensured under the supervision of Gerard. Ellen has been my key source while doing the cost estimation for my design panels, she provided me with basic market values which helped me to establish an standard pricing. Overall the support from Byldis has been instrumental for coming up with a comprehensive outcome for my research project."
Max is very enthusiastic about Byldis: “What struck me most during my time at Byldis was that everyone was really enthusiastic about the project and also willing to help me think about new directions for research. It felt like a very open, warm and friendly company, and I think that we have achieved a great result, despite the corona crisis.”
Both students have graduated cum laude! We are really impressed with the final result and hope that we can take these research projects further in the future.