Biobased Construction materials
Partners
Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans UAS).
The universities of applied sciences (in Dutch: 'hogescholen') offer programs that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences.
"Avans" is a knowledge institution with a powerful position in Brabant, anchored in the Brabant working field. For years Avans have also been known outside the country as the best university of applied sciences valued for its atmosphere and quality of education.
As a knowledge institution, we develop new knowledge for education and society. With our research we want to have impact on social issues. Avans has 4 Centres of Expertise and 2 expertise centers and over 31 professorships. Groups of researchers conduct practice-oriented research.The Centre of Expertise Materials and Energy Transition (MNEXT) is the place where Living Lab interns find their bachelor or graduation assignment. Please read more here.
HZ University of Applied Sciences (Avans UAS)
HZ UAS, formerly Hogeschool Zeeland, is a knowledge institution for higher vocational education (HBO) in the Dutch province of Zeeland and has branches in Vlissingen and Middelburg. HZ is known as the Personal University of Applied Sciences. Some 4,800 students attend full-time or part-time education here. HZ offers more than 30 bachelor's programs and several master's programs. In addition, the college offers associate degrees, post-graduate programs, master classes or courses. Many of the programs are also offered in English.
internships
Research topics for internships vary by period as they are aligned with the ongoing research at that time. Below are some examples of previous internships to get a feel of what's possible within the subject of biodegradation.
Avans University of Applied Sciences (Avans UAS), HZ University of Applied Sciences (HZ UAS).
We have three research lines:
1. Mycellium
Mycelium is considered one of the most promising future building materials by some, yet its true potential in the building industry is still to be discovered. The beneficial properties of fungi are fast-growing, lightweight, water resistant, fire retardant, sound absorbing, compostable and potentially self-healing. A big challenge for mycelium as a building material is its acceptance by society. The research group Biobased Construction has been researching mycelium and its application in the building industry for the past eight years. (Avans)
2. Earth construction
Earth can be considered a ‘forgotten’ building material in Europe, which is currently being revived in neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium, and France. Earth can be typically applied as rammed Earth (by some referred to as ‘natural concrete’), stabilised earth blocks, or clay/loam plaster. Its beneficial properties are: structurally strong, fireproof, temperature buffering, moisture buffering, odour neutralising, sound absorbing and endlessly recyclable without loss of quality. A big challenge for Earth is its water resistance. (HZ)
3. Health
A healthy indoor climate is related to a range of aspects, such as thermal comfort, humidity and ventilation, acoustic comfort, visual comfort, tactile and olfactory sensations, and pollutants and allergens. The relationship between the use of building materials and these aspects can be more or less measured and, therefore, quantified. This requires research on a material scale to feed theoretical models and research on a building scale to verify the theory. However, The relationship between the indoor climate and human health is far more complex and not yet known by society. Our research strives to demonstrate the contribution of biobased materials to a (theoretically) healthy and passively controlled indoor climate. (HZ and Avans)
Goal of internship:
The main goal is to obtain more knowledge about biobased materials for construction,
Activities:
- Preparing different mixtures.
- Analysing techniques and methods.
- Developing new materials for construction
- Testing the mechanical and physical properties of the construction materials.
- Testing and analysing the impact of the construction materials on our health.
- Cooperating in a larger project together with PhD's and researchers- Learning how to interact with students from different cultures.
Final product
The student will write a research report that contains an overview of all activities and findings.
Qualifications
Examples of suitable academies
The student should be able to carry out independent laboratory research. The preferred background is in architecture, civil engineering, and material science.
- Civil Engineering
- Material Sciences
- Architecture
additional information
Possible internship periods
September 2025 - January 2026
Working language
English