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.

The main question of this thesis is: ‘’What impact did family life in the 19th and 20th centuries have on the floorplan of family homes in the Netherlands?’’ In the 19th century, families lived close together in slums, in which housing conditions were poor. Privacy within the family was far away, as living, cooking, etc. were all done in one shared room. After the Housing Act in 1901, workers’ living conditions were improved through better hygiene and more spacious dwellings, in which, according to families’ needs, each function was given its own space and parents, boys and girls were also given separate bedrooms. In the reconstruction after World War II, on the opposite, dwellings were set back to square one with a more open floorplan, just like the slums, with different functions - such as living and cooking - in one space. This involved only more space and the privacy of family members was better incorporated into the floorplans, through separate bedrooms and more living space.