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.

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.

Building construction accounts for roughly 36% of global energy consumption and emits
about 39% of CO2 from energy use [9]. Consequently, there is a growing push to adopt
sustainable construction methods and utilize materials with low embodied energy [10]. As
buildings stand as major contributors to CO2 emissions, the focus is shifting towards timber
as a building material choice. Timber is renewable, stores carbon, and boasts low embodied
carbon from production [11]. However, while high-rise timber frames represent a significant
step in integrating timber at a larger scale, their connections often rely on steel, contributing
to increased embodied carbon.
This thesis explores the resurgence of interest in wood-to-wood connections as a response
to sustainability imperatives in modern construction. It examines the historical significance of
timber joinery, the current state of sustainable construction, and the potential of engineered
timber products in reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, the thesis investigates modern
innovations in timber connections, focusing on the development of ductile and eco-friendly
alternatives to steel fasteners. Through theoretical frameworks, experimental studies, and
structural validations, this research aims to understand the impact of implementing timber
dry joints on the embodied carbon of high-rise timber building frames.
Results reveal that while timber dry joints offer potential in reducing embodied carbon,
their effectiveness varies. While they can reduce the need for steel fasteners, their impact
on lowering embodied carbon is limited. Conversely, the integration of continuous beams
and multiple-span floor systems proves to significantly reduce embodied carbon in timber
building frames.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches in optimizing timber
building frames for sustainability, highlighting the potential of innovative design strategies in
achieving carbon reduction goals.

Truss-to-GO is the name given to a Research-by-Design idea for a novel construction technology for Lattice Structures such as trusses and space frames. The ambition is to develop an in-situ fabrication method for these structures, using a continuous Flax- FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composite-technology-based ‘Rope’ that can be compactly transported to site in a spool, and manually ‘woven’ into truss-like shapes and finally cured and rigidified. This thesis explores the first steps of such a technology, starting some of the mechanical properties that can be achieved by braided flax polymer composites as a single strut or chord in the lattice, with consideration for the pre-cure consolidation strategy for the composite. Further, the mechanical performance of a joint, or node, in the lattice is tested, and a proposal for the on-site infrastructures and fabrication workflow is developed. Finally, a simple comparison is made between the Truss-to-GO technology and some conventional lattice construction technologies, with insights about the potentials, limitations and future research topics for this ‘fantasy’ technology.

This thesis researches the gap between technical innovation and practical application with regards to 3D printing in the construction sector. It first identifies the importance of adopting a holistic approach to product design as to optimally exploit the advantages of 3D printing and meet immediate needs in the built environment. Thereafter, it evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of additive manufacturing, explores its potential large-scale adoption in construction, and defines the criteria for feasible 3D-printed solutions. In the second part of the thesis, the Tesla valve is researched as a case study to research how the strengths and weaknesses of 3D printing might be overcome in product design. In doing so, it also evaluates the effectiveness of Tesla valves in the regulation of natural ventilation and explores how 3D printing might compensate for the shortcomings of this concept.

This thesis explores the integration of kinetic and media features from facades to create architectural narratives, focusing on how facades can serve not just the occupants within but also engage and captivate passersby from the outside. The primary research question investigates whether it’s feasible to employ media and kinetic tools to craft facades that not only fulfill functional requirements like shading and thermal comfort but also function as dynamic mediums of aesthetic expression and storytelling.
The answer, as detailed in this report, is affirmative. The document is structured to guide you through the development process of the thesis’s two main parts. A facade piece capable of being parametrized in bulk to create various architectural forms, and its application in designing a visually striking pavilion for the TU Delft Bio-Based Lab. The lab’s requirement for an engaging and visually appealing structure underpins the motivation for this thesis.
This report chronicles a lengthy design journey beginning with an initial preview of the final pavilion design and the articulation of the research question. It proceeds with a summary of the pertinent literature review, followed by the evolution of design concepts—starting from the Maze, progressing through the Wave and the Flora, and culminating in the Urchin, which represents the synthesis of the explored design principles.
The document concludes with personal reflections on the project and an appendix containing extensive illustrations and sketches, which were too voluminous to include within the main body of the report.

Culturally diverse communities often struggle with prejudice and division among the member groups. Considering the current positive trend in globalization, and thus, also migration, the cultural diversity of communities is on the rise. As a result, The World Economic Forum assessed the erosion of social cohesion to be the 4th most dangerous risk on a global scale within the next decade (WEF, 2022).

Beyond Divisions is a proposal aimed at addressing this problem. Located in Lublin (Poland), which nowadays struggles with hostility and xenophobia, the building draws from the site's past cultural diversity to bring back the social cohesion lost during the WWII era.

The universal research and symbolism of the proposal ensure the transferability of the solution to other sites that also struggle with the deterioration of social cohesion to create a community beyond divisions.

Improved productivity and a higher level of sustainability are modern day challenges faced by the building industry that are currently being and could further be solved by a higher degree of automation. Freeform architecture is still in its infancy but the demand for it is growing. Reusable building elements are a rarity in freeforms. This thesis aims for the implementation of a new node and beam system for increased reusability and for more automation in the construction of building facades.

This thesis introduces a novel reusable node and beam system for use in the automatic assembly of freeform architecture. By optimising input shapes, applying computational placement of the elements and generating instructions for robotic systems, the building sector can not only improve its productivity and reduce its emissions, it can furthermore revolutionise the stylistic nature of architecture and facilitate the fluid adaptation of new forms and functions.

Architects and urban planners still rely on physical models in the design process, particularly for urban contexts. However, developing such models can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, despite the abundance of digital information available. This study investigates the feasibility of using pin-type models, specifically in the concept and design phase of mass modelling and analysis for urban, rural, and complex building sites. The research uses a combination of literature review, design-based research, and interviews, leading to the discovery of a promising solution. Existing pin-type models in the market or universities either come at a high cost or lack the necessary resolution to generate detailed urban models. However, this study identifies a method that significantly reduces costs while achieving higher pin resolution, although with some compromises in generation time and holding power compared to current models. The innovative rubber layer, also known as the state layer, plays a crucial role in the machine's advancements. This layer enables the machine to keep pins in place at a lower cost but with lower holding power. Additionally, leveraging technology from the 3D printing and CNC manufacturing domains, the machine incorporates multiple individually moving motors that can rapidly set up to 40 pins in one motion, reaching speeds of up to 1200 pins per minute. Making it possible to generate large pin sets in less then an hour, meaning it would be faster than traditional methods like 3D printing or manual foam cutting. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the central role of code in this study. Integrating all the necessary steps into a single code can generate an urban area within minutes. The program facilitates a user-friendly interface for selecting locations, automatically downloading height maps from the AHN (Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland), converting the data into a digital model compatible with the machine, and exporting it as a G-code file. The machine and code also support displaying additional digital information, such as 3D models and images. Combining the improved machine and optimized code demonstrates the potential to create physical urban context models from digital data at a relatively low cost compared to other devices. With working times of minutes instead of hours or even days, compared to traditional model-making methods.
Although this research shows considerable potential, there are several challenges that demand attention and additional investigation. The ultimate determination of whether the final product will require a $10,000 or $20,000 investment hinges upon the availability and cost of visible pins. Moreover, the current conversion of rotation to Bowden cables is suboptimal, and further enhancements are necessary. Additionally, the code could benefit from optimization to ensure compatibility with slower computers, thereby improving its speed and efficiency. Furthermore, the code should be extended to enhance its compatibility with 3D models, and ideally, with BIM models as well. It is essential that the code incorporates a function enabling the combination and selection of data, facilitating the movement of only the necessary sections of the machine. With this research, a solid foundation has been established for further expansion and exploration in this field. The successful development of a working machine code paves the way for practical testing and implementation. Although there are some mentioned additions that could enhance the research, the limitations of time prevented their full exploration in this study. Nonetheless, this research opens up exciting possibilities for future advancements and applications in the field.

In contemporary architecture free-form buildings play an important role. The materials used, for example fibre reinforced composites or concrete, are not sustainable. Because the built environment is responsible for a significant part of the global resource usage and because it is one of the most polluting industries it is important to make every effort to reduce its environmental impact. In more conventional architecture renewable and more sustainable materials like timber are among the oldest building materials and are now being rediscovered. In curved façades however it is much less common because curved surfaces and the material properties of renewable and sustainable materials cause complexities in the production and assembly processes. Whether curved façade panels, made from a bio-composite, can be fabricated using an industrial fabrication process has not been extensively researched. The goal of this thesis is to explore the possibilities of making curved façades more sustainable by using a bio-composite and by using an industrial production process. This is done by conducting literature research and by designing a bio-composite façade panel and production process. This process has been supported by experimenting, prototyping and a case study of the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen designed by MVRDV.
Because the bio-composite façade panel is produced using a hot press and an aluminium mould it is best suited for façades of which all panels are identical or for panels with a lot of repetition. One of the advantages of the material, design and production method is that the panels consist of very few parts. The water resistance is something that needs to be improved ether by changing the composition of the material or by applying a bio-based coating.

Since many neighborhoods were constructed after the Second World War, a significant number of these buildings will require renovation in the coming years. Particularly, neighborhoods known as “Bloemkoolwijken” (cauliflower neighborhoods), named after their distinct cauliflower-like urban structure, account for 20% of the current building stock. These single-family homes, constructed approximately 50 years ago, require upgrades to meet current insulation standards. However, the construction sector, and specifically the building materials used, significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly building materials. Therefore this research aims to explore the potentional of regional bio-based materials for add-on facade renovation of these Bloemkoolwijken. By utilizing locally sourced materials, this project aims to reinforce the local identity while reducing the carbon footprint associated with the renovation. The study focuses on upgrading insulation as well as the exterior layer of the buildings, given the flexibility, identity, lifespan and awareness that this gives. The research begins on a larger scale by investigating bio-based materials in vernacular architecture and gradually zooms in on the Netherlands, examining different regional landscapes and their associated vegetation. The final results provide insights into sustainable renovation practices by utilizing locally sourced materials from three distinct landscapes: peat, sand, and clay. The look-books offer a comprehensive overview of the possibilities in this field, while the proof of concept demonstrates the feasibility of such renovations.

The Maldivian Islands are facing multiple challenges, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and poor waste management. This research explores the development of a future-proof system using recycled plastic waste in order to protect the islands. The developed system includes an engineered artificial reef design, which is acting as wave breaking structure. This artificial reef is capable of withstanding extreme conditions, which occur more often as a result of global warming. Plastic waste will be recycled to construct the wave breaking structure, transforming the excessive waste problem into a solution. The system addresses a wide variety of problems, such as waste management, coastal erosion, and floods. It also creates awareness among tourists and local population, because it will make the island more attractive for eco-tourism and it will create more jobs on the island, which will affect daily lives of the local population. All together, the system offers protection to the coastal areas and preserves ecosystems. This pilot version of the sustainable and resilient system offers adaptability to other islands and incorporates traditional architecture for cultural preservation and future user needs. This leads to economic benefits, job opportunities, and increased
awareness of waste management and environmental conservation. This research is providing a strong foundation for the development and implementation of a future-proof system that contributes to the preservation and protection of the Maldivian Islands. By researching the possibilities of recycled plastic waste and integrating it into the designed system, a more sustainable and resilient future for the vulnerable islands and its communities is created.

As a threatening reality to the planet’s stability, climate change has forced the building industry to develop sustainable techniques and materials to fulfil the constant demand for infrastructure. Timber, as a biobased material, appears like a promising option for constructing highrise structures, a typology that, before the creation of engineered wood products (EWP), was impossible due to technical limitations. Today, buildings with timber as macrostructure are being built worldwide, redrawing the skylines of many cities and revolutionizing the way the building is due to its low CO2 embodied carbon and reducing construction time. However, these new buildings still need to improve regarding circularity principles. Today, the timber industry is experiencing a flourishing, even tho timber highrises implement inefficient design constraints that limit adaptability and durability and decrease their advantage of having a lower embodied energy than traditional construction materials. This investigation delves into the feasibility of timber highrise structures and examines various factors that must be considered when evaluating them. The study utilizes a parametric model to determine the crucial role of the core and the influence of structural components in the global stiffness of highrise structures and in potential strategies to maximize mechanical behaviour following circular principles; with the results of structural analysis, a draft study case is proposed in the area of the spatial framework of M4H of Rotterdam. The project proposes a timber Highrise designed with design principles for disassembly, adaptability, modularity, and durability. The building is designed to address the challenge of construction waste generated by infrastructure obsolescence, set a standard for highrise design that is environmentally responsible, and create a symbiotic relationship between the building and its environment.

Building energy regulations worldwide are increasingly advocating for better-insulated facades since improved insulation in facades can significantly reduce a building’s heating energy demand. However, research indicates that super-insulated buildings are already at risk of overheating due to high internal heat storage and low heat loss. In addition, over the past decades, the climatic trend demonstrated a significant rise in surface temperatures. As a result, well-insulated commercial buildings have become increasingly dependent on cooling.
On the other hand, approximately 85% of Europe’s glazing comprises single glazing and uncoated double glazing. This prevalence leads to high demand for heating and cooling energy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhance the insulation of these buildings’ glazing while maintaining the existing window frames.
A glass unit prototype with switchable insulation has been developed and assessed to address these issues. The findings of this thesis demonstrate that in mixed climate zones, the utilization of switchable insulation can lead to a reduction in total energy demand by as much as 33% compared to the use of present high-performance glazing technologies.
When advantageous, Inflatable Glazing can be activated on-demand or controlled by internal and external sensors. The heat transfer coefficient of the facade, known as the U-value, can be switched from a low insulating value to a high conducting value. During the cooling period, this technology can be employed to increase the heat flux of the glass unit, thereby enhancing heat dissipation. Conversely, Inflatable Glazing can provide excellent insulation and highly effective solar gain during the heating period.
This thesis investigates the potential of a switchable insulating glass unit for buildings in mixed and mild climate zones, where selecting the appropriate U-value can be complex. The focus is set on building and testing a fully transparent glass unit with a switchable U-value. The innovative material, thin glass, serves as the primary dynamic component due to its advantageous bending properties and strength.

The building sector is responsible for 38% of global energy and process-related greenhouse gas emissions. In recent decades, a rapid increase in energy consumption in buildings has been witnessed, making energy reduction a pressing issue. Thermal insulation systems, that can operate dynamically in response to changing transient conditions, by alternating between thermally conductive and insulated states, are gaining attention in their architectural applications, since they constitute an effective mean for reducing energy consumption while simultaneously improving occupants comfort levels. Despite the pioneering work that has been conducted by researchers to develop adaptive insulation technologies in different engineering fields, currently none of the adaptive insulation technologies are embedded in real-world buildings for a number of reasons. The aim of this thesis, therefore is to identify these reasons and on this basis, to explore, the different ways in which an adaptive insulation system can be created. There are no established standards or requirements for the development of adaptive thermal insulation technologies. Consequently, this research initially focuses on the creation of design criteria that address aspects related to thermal performance, design feasibility, and technological complexity of the examined systems. Subsequently, the exploration of different design concepts was initiated by first creating a scheme of aspects, concerning the geometry of the core, the mobility of the outer layer, the number of cavity compartments, the type of actuation and the types of mechanisms that facilitate the transition between thermal insulation states. From the combination of these aspects, six design alternatives emerged, the principle of operation of which is based on the idea of a structure that can inflate and deflate during the transition of the system from the insulated to the conductive state. The core geometry of the concepts was modeled within TRISCO steady-state 3D software tool, where various parameters were tested in order to obtain the final topology. The aim was to achieve a thermal resistance comparable to that of state-of-the-art insulating materials in their insulated state and furthermore, to achieve a large range of shift in order to acquire a significantly low thermal resistance in the conductive state comparable to the case of an uninsulated concrete block. Simultaneously, the thermal transmittance (U-value) for the insulated and conductive states of each concept was estimated through numerical simulations in TRISCO and validated using analytical models for comparison. The results of the analysis indicated that, the thickness of the air cavity and the emissivity of the membrane material greatly affect the examined thermal resistance. Additionally, the range of shift depends significantly on the degree of evacuation of the air cavity. It has been found that technologies whose structure and working principle allow full compression of the core in the conductive state, can lead to a lower thermal resistance which is governed by solid conduction. The results of the simulations showed that one of the examined concepts satisfied the initial goal, achieving thermal transmission which ranged from 0.13 W/𝑚2K to 2.79 W/𝑚2K in the insulated and conductive states respectively. Whereas, the thermal resistance ranged from 7.5 𝑚2/KW to 0.4 𝑚2/KW in the insulated
and conductive states respectively. The obtained values of thermal transmittance from TRISCO, were compared with the thermal transmittance from analytical formulas. In this way, the accuracy of the numerical simulations was validated. The final stage of the design exploration phase led to the selection of the final design through a multi-
criteria analysis that is aligned with the aforementioned initial design criteria. The final design is a 1.5 m by 0.75 m opaque panel of low emissivity honeycomb core made up of 10 mm cells. In the insulated state the panel has a thickness of 0.18 m while after being compressed the thickness is reduced to 1/3. Actuation of the system is achieved using a dual-function pump that supplies air to a system of channels that access the core. An approximation of the sizes of the pump and pipes were given for the design of the air-supply system. In this way, the system can be reversibly switched between an inflated state governed by gaseous conduction and a deflated state, where the solid conduction of adjacent surfaces governs. The architectural application of the adaptive insulation system, considers the element as an infill component in which the outer skin is integrated into the system, implying that the transition between thermal states is visible from the façade. To conclude, this research explores the potentials of using the parameters influencing heat transfer capability for the development of an adaptive insulation system intended to be used in the building envelope. The research through design resulted in a promising design based on the resulting thermal performance indicators. However, to realize the proposed technology, tests on physical model need to be conducted. The thermal performance of the system should be validated experimentally in order to derive statistical data for its safe application and the actual dimensions of the air-supply system need to be determined.

Currently people with physical disabilities do not have the option to be away from home for a short or longer period of time to relieve themselves from the medical situation at home. This creates a feeling that there is currently a building typology missing in society and forms a challenge to be further investigated. The objective is to gather knowledge about how physically disabled adults experience a place and in what way an architectural design can influence this in a positive way.
The focus for this research is on the physically disabled adults who live at home, are dependent on a wheelchair and daily care. The following main research question has been formulated to answer the problem statement above: “In what ways can architecture overcome the limitations that adults with physical disabilities face in daily life?” To be able to answer the main research question literature research was carried out and interviews were conducted among 5 participants. Two physically disabled, one informal caretaker and two medical professionals. All these participants are representative for both the interview as well as physically disabled adults in the home situation. The interview responses showed that there are 4 main important themes: spatial, social, independence and healthcare. This indicates that these themes are important for all participants. To conclude, the current built environment is missing an accessible building typology, a place that provides care without feeling so for both physically disabled adults as for able bodied people to spend time away from home.
Based on this my advice for follow-up research would be how to create awareness among architects about the life of physically disabled adults and how they can design for them?

Aldowa, a facade manufacturing company, wants to shift from a linear, single-use aluminum product to a circular, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified one, ranging from Bronze to Platinum levels. The Platinum level signifies a fully circular product with materials that can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their life cycle without environmental harm. This transition demands adherence to Design for Disassembly (DfD) principles, ensuring products meet C2C certification requirements. The thesis presents a DfD guideline, integrating existing disassembly criteria and incorporating practical insights from Aldowa. The guideline, designed to align with Aldowa's project workflow, aims to assist in product life cycle extension, promoting sustainability and meeting C2C certification standards. It serves as a valuable tool throughout the project lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of efficient disassembly design methods for environmental benefits.

Due to the NECP, many homes are in need of renovation. In 2016, the Netherlands had 799,956 apartments built between 1906 and 1965. A large part consists of porch houses. The houses are poorly insulated due to hasty and savings in construction. This research focuses on walk-up apartments built after the Second World War. The aim is to define how to improve the renovation process of walkable apartment buildings through a modular facade system generated using computational design. This is done by connecting new facade elements to the existing building as a second skin. While preserving the existing typology of the buildings and emphasizing the current rhythm and small ornaments of the portico houses. The script tries to implement different sizes, because then it would be useful to renovate several porch houses at the same time. This creates more variation within the different facades and makes the total renovation time shorter and more cost-efficient. The script could potentially display the total number and dimensions of the various new facade panels, which would speed up the fabrication and assembly process.

Glass is one of the oldest building materials used in the building envelope. Its attractiveness to architects, designers and users is mainly due to its fascinating ability to combine two otherwise contradictory functions; to separate and protect the interior from the exterior environment while at the same time allow for openness by letting daylight penetrate the space.

Apart from the apparent and basic function of transparency, glass, if properly designed, can fulfill almost any role in a building structure, from insulating a facade, to taking building loads besides its own weight and the imposed wind forces. Especially in terms of a building’s thermal performance, the assembly of single glass panes into insulated units is a colossal advancement for the building sector towards more sustainable structures since it allows the creation of fully glazed facades with minimised thermal losses.
However, the use of insulated glass units while improves greatly the energy conservation of glass buildings, it neglects to account for the impact of this assembly procedure on the waste streams the materials used create once their service life is over. Currently, there is no provision for extending the life-time of IGUs by the means of reuse, refurbishment or recycling and consequently they end up being discarded in landfills after a limited time of use.

For this reason, it is crucial to design an alternative IGU that abides by the laws of circularity, meaning the use of design approaches with an end-of-life plan for new products used as construction elements. Such a circular approach could greatly benefit the transition from a linear to a circular economy which is indispensable for the building sector since it accounts for a large amount of construction and demolition waste that end in landfills every year. The pollution from these wastes could be significantly reduced if the products applied were initially designed to be used in a circular way instead of having a single-life character.

The current master’s thesis focuses on the exploration, through detailed design, of the different ways in which an insulated glass unit can become more circular without compromising its transparency. The term circularity here refers to a design that tackles the end of life of the unit by facilitating its remanufacture in case its thermal performance starts decreasing; the reuse of parts of it or of the whole unit, and the recycling of the glass panes when neither reuse nor remanufacture are an option. Moreover, the aim is to create an IGU that is as transparent a possible by minimising the optical result of the current IGU edge seal connections.

In order to create a circular IGU, firstly, contaminating factors on the glass surfaces that could hinder their recylcability should be avoided. Secondly, a reversible way of connecting the different glass panes that comprise the IGU is opted for. Currently used IGUs have edge seals that consist of an element called a spacer bar and sealing elements that ensure the structural stability of the unit and prevent the air and moisture diffusion to the cavity. The element that connects the glass with the spacer bar in the current IGUs is a strong structural adhesive of black colour that cannot be removed without contaminating the glass. This is precisely the element that this thesis aims at replacing through an alternative connection design that enables the reversibility of the unit and the reduction of the optical impact of the edge seal.

The design exploration phase led to a final design that achieves the initial goal using an innovative alternative connection that replaces the spacer bar and secondary seal of a typical IGU with two cast glass elements each fused to the edge of the float glass panes. The connection of these cast glass elements occurs with the use of a simple mechanical clamping element, a metal spring clip that can be easily applied and just as easily removed. The small dimensions of this clip and its application internally between the float glass panes ensures the reversibility of the edge seal as well as its improved optical result.

The final design remains in a research stage proposal and further testing would be necessary regarding its thermal performance, its structural rigidity and the assurance of its good weather sealing. However, this research through design exploration concluded to a feasible, in theory, design that achieves the initial goal.