MNEXT > Vacatures > Monitoring the Biobased Wall at Waterschap de Dommel
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Monitoring the Biobased Wall at Waterschap de Dommel

In an effort to improve thermal comfort, air quality, and sustainability in public infrastructure, Waterschap de Dommel is piloting a novel biobased wall system to replace a heat-intensive glass façade in one of their corridor spaces. This new wall integrates renewable and bio-based materials including solar panels, compostboard, and mycelium-based insulation. The project is part of a broader collaboration with MNEXT and several innovation partners to assess the long-term viability of these materials in real-world conditions. The corridor previously experienced extreme summer heat (up to 50°C), leading to material degradation. The new wall is designed to mitigate this issue while supporting sustainability goals. This internship contributes to monitoring and evaluating the performance of the new wall system.
Startdatum 01 September 2025
Solliciteren voor 22 August 2025
Ervaring Internship or graduation internship
Locatie Breda
Solliciteren

Assignment Description

As an intern at MNEXT, you will contribute to monitoring and evaluating the performance of the biobased wall segment recently installed at Waterschap de Dommel. Your focus will be on data collection and interpretation across four key performance categories:

  • Heat regulation
  • Moisture regulation
  • Air quality improvement
  • Biological stability of the mycelium-based insulation

You will work with sensors and experimental tools to gather and interpret data and compare it with baseline conditions (i.e., an unchanged corridor).

Main Activities

  • Literature review on wall insulation performance, VOCs, heat stress, and mycelium insulation.
  • Assisting in the placement and calibration of sensors for temperature, moisture, VOCs, and particulate matter.
  • Regularly collecting and analyzing data from smart sensors across different wall segments.
  • Performing biological assessments on the mycelium insulation (e.g., growth tests, surface inspection).
  • Comparing performance data of the biobased wall to the existing corridor wall.
  • Supporting documentation and reporting for internal and partner use.

Starting Date

September 2025 – February 2026. The length of the internship / graduation assignment is approximately 20 weeks. The student will get an internship fee of €350,- per month.

Desirable skills/qualities of the student

The student must have interest in sustainable architecture, environmental monitoring and/or biobased materials. Ability to work independently and carry out practical lab/fieldwork after guidance. should Background in construction engineering, architecture, environmental science, chemistry,  and/or biology is preferred. HBO or university students are welcome.

Meer informatie? Neem contact op met:

Francisco Ortega Exposito

Mail fa.ortegaexposito1@avans.nl Telefoon 31885256416 Solliciteer direct

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