Samenvatting

This research has proved that the implementation of a Modular Connection System (MCS1) for the “WET CELL” project is not only possible but also promising, as it successfully demonstrates how modularity, circularity, and material reusability can be achieved through the optimal design and material selection. A variety of tests and comparisons have confirmed that the system enables these principles by making use of materials that include by-products such as rubber and blast furnace slag, helping to reduce environmental impact aligning with sustainable building practices.
The final version of the Modular Connector System shows that materials like cork, aluminum, and geopolymer tiles can function effectively in wet construction environments, offering waterproofing qualities while allowing for simple assembly and disassembly through a well-designed interlocking and screw-based mechanism that avoids the need for permanent adhesives, fully aligning with the goals of the circular economy.
The environmental impact estimation conducted through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) further confirms these findings by showing that the implemented materials have a significantly lower ecological footprint when compared to conventional construction materials such as traditional concrete. In addition, the research has showcased the feasibility of developing a waterproof modular wall system using only materials that are regionally sourced within the Netherlands, reinforcing the idea of a locally adapted, low-emission construction method that could promote sustainable future building practices. Even though the application of the prototype is considered to be for bathroom areas, the connection system has the potential to be scaled and adapted to other moisture-prone areas, making it a flexible and innovative solution.
However, several limitations must be taken into consideration before the full implementation of the design, including the absence of a full-scale prototype, which means installation time and labor have yet not been determined in real-life conditions, as well as the cost estimations that remain uncertain. In addition, moisture testing has so far only been performed on cork and rubber components, leaving other materials unverified in this regard, and while the antimicrobial potential of the materials has been introduced as a relevant factor, it has not yet been connected to specific health standards or supported by benchmark values.
Despite these open points, the research lays a solid foundation for further development, and with additional mechanical testing, long-term durability studies, and economic assessments, the proposed system holds great potential to contribute to more sustainable and efficient construction methods in the near future.