portfolio
TIMMY VAN DEN PANHUYZEN
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEER
who am i ?
Hi! I am a Junior Architect with a degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Brussels. My academic journey extended beyond traditional courses, including a Master’s thesis exploring the use of fungi in self-healing concrete. This interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, shows my dedication to exploring innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of architectural design.
As a deaf architect with a cochlear implant, I bring a unique perspective. My experience has forstered strong attention to detail and developed my problem-solving skills by working in different teams. I am highly motivated and eager to contribute to impactful and meaningful projects within the architectural field. Since March of 2022, I have gained valuable experience at a highly technical architectural firm in Brussels, where I contributed to a range of projects.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying fit at the gym, find relaxation in doing creative workshops such as pottery and love to explore new places while travelling in Portugal.
This portfolio showcases a selection of these projects, as well as works completed during my academic studies.
EXPERIENCE
Junior Architect
WITH20 ARCHITECTEN, BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)
License of Architect
Belgian Order of Architects, BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Mar. 2022 – present
Mar. 2024
+32 471 03 34 88
Master of Science: Architectural Engineering Sep. 2020 – Feb. 2022
VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL & UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUXELLES (BELGIUM)
Master Thesis:
Okt. 2020 – Aug. 2021
Experimental research on the application of fungi in self-healing concrete
Bachelor of Science: Architectural Engineering
VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL (BELGIUM)
Sep. 2016 – Feb. 2020
SKILLS
3D/2D moDeling
Autocad Revit Sketchup
AnAlytic Dialux SCIA
grAphic Photoshop Indesign
other Microsoft Office 22/05/1997, Belgian/Portuguese
timmy-vdp@hotmail.com
01 office building - wolftech
During my internship, I had the opportunity to participate in construction inspections for an office project near Brussels, working alongside the project architect. The company of this office, specializing in concrete casting, wanted to replace a large part of the existing building complex to make place for a new, modern office building.
The new desing features a contemporary aesthetic, with a facade composed of concrete panels and metal cladding. Inside, the design maintains a sense of simplicity, exposing the building’s structure and mechanical systems while incorporating softer materials like wood wall finishes and textured concrete walls cast by using wooden formwork.
status: finished (2024)
02
coffee and lunchbar - zjat ’ o
Located in Londerzeel’s oldest historic building, a short 15-minute drive from Brussels, this project focused on the renovation and extension of a lunch and coffee bar. The existing building, a protected heritage building dating back to the 17th century, presented a unique challenge: a decaying rear annex that had no connection at all to the main building.
This annex was demolished to make way for a new, thoughtfully conceived volume with a similar roof shape to the existing building. The subtle transition between old and new elements was further enhanced by the use of copper cladding on the new facade.
Inside, a lightred concrete terrazo floor covers the extension to unify the spaces of the original building and the extension. The interior design features simplicity and elegance, featuring warm wood wall finishes and discreetly integrated climate control systems. Moreover, a large glas facade lets in plenty of natural light, making the space feel open and bright.
status: in construction (finished in March 2025)
VOORGEVEL - ongewijzigd
construction site when the decaying annex was demolished
construction site (in progress - expected to be finished in March 2025)
group housing in kapelle-op-den-bos
This project involved the development of a site for a group housing complex consisting of 31 houses, clustered in groups of two, three, or four. The design included characteristic elements like brick facades and gabled roofs, creating a cohesive architectural language. While all houses share a similar plan structure, ensuring efficient use of space and construction, each residence maintains a unique identity through the variations in roof shapes, different brick colors for the facades, and varied window compositions. My role in this project involved both conceptual development and the creation of the complete tender dossier, including detailed construction drawings and precise quantity take-offs for all required building materials.
status: construction (2025)
concept development of facade
final design (renders made by Polygon)
concept development of plans
interior design of an apartment
For this project, I had the opportunity to design the complete interior layout of an apartment for a specific client. This included the design of all custom-made furniture, such as the kitchen. I utilized SketchUp for 3D modeling and Enscape for high-quality renderings to effectively communicate the design vision to the client.
status: construction (2024)
05 two houses for a family
For this project, the client needed two seperate homes: one for the parents and another for their son and his wife. Given the limited plot area, balancing the need for privacy was a crucisal aspect of the design. Furthermore, the accessibility was prioritized, ensuring comfortable movement for a wheelchair user. Open-plan layouts were implemented in both houses. The volumes and the composition of the windows were thoughtfully conceived to enhance the privacy of both houses. The parents’ house incorporates a second floor volume dedicated to an office and guest rooms. In contrast, the younger couple’s house features a partly underground level, offering a unique living living experience and further contributing to the overall sense of privacy. This design approach not only met the client’s needs for seperate living spaces but also created two distincts but yet harmonious homes within this plot area.
status: design - permission
BACHELOR 3
design studio: city & structure
In the first semester, a city block near the commercial street Meir in Antwerp (Belgium) is analysed and adapted to the needs of the neighbourhood. In the second semester, one of the buildings of the redesigned city block is further developed and detailed. Aspects such as volumetry, supporting structure, accessibility, flexibility in layout/plan set-up, materials choice, facade principles, etc.are taken into account during the design process.
Julina Spinoy, Louisa Contipelli, Eva Vangansbeke, Timmy Van den Panhuyzen
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ingenieurswetenschappen: Architectuur, Ontwerpatelier 3 Ba: Stad en Structuur, 2018-2019. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Haike Apelt, Arch. Stefan Braun.
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08 master 1: sustainable design studio
MASTER 1
sustainable design studio
The project is situated in Heizel at the northern gate. The project is composed of three main parts: the cultural centre, the housing, and the offices. The cultural centre, a social heart for the community, is situated in the lower part of the building. It is not only focused on functions but also on encouraging social interaction. The windows inside of the cultural centre allow people to view activities from outside, increasing curiosity. The office building is connected with the cultural centre by means of a bridge. In this way, several spaces are shared with the office building in order to utilize the spaces as much as possible. Along the street, the façade creates a warm, calm feeling due to the composition of light coloured panels and wooden vertical cladding.
The project is situated in Heizel at the northern gate. The project is composed of three main parts: the cultural centre, the housing, and the offices. The cultural centre, a social heart for the community, is situated in the lower part of the building. It is not only focused on functions but also on encouraging social interaction. The windows inside of the cultural centre allow peo ple to view activities from outside, increasing curiosity. The office building is connected with the cultural centre by means of a bridge. In this way, several spaces are shared with the office building in order to utilize the spaces as much as possible. Along the street, the façade creates a warm, calm feeling due to the composition of light coloured panels and wooden vertical cladding.
MASTER 1
sustainable design studio
The project is situated in Heizel at the northern gate. The project is composed of three main parts: the cultural centre, the housing, and the offices. The cultural centre, a social heart for the community, is situated in the lower part of the building. It is not only focused on functions but also on encouraging social interaction. The windows inside of the cultural centre allow peo ple to view activities from outside, increasing curiosity. The office building is connected with the cultural centre by means of a bridge. In this way, several spaces are shared with the office building in order to utilize the spaces as much as possible. Along the street, the façade creates a warm, calm feeling due to the composition of light coloured panels and wooden vertical cladding.
FACADE
09 master 2: advanced design studio
For this design studio course, the train station of Etterbeek, an important intermodal node in the Brussels network of public transport, is redesigned in order to satisfy the new requirements. The student engages in reflecting on the meaning of future transportation nodes in contemporary urban life, reflecting on what a train station should be, what functions it should offer, and how it should function.
MASTER 2
advanced design studio
Furthermore, the question rises how a train station should present itself towards the city, and what ‘façade’ it needs along the rail tracks. The goal was to incorporate the existing historic heritage in the new design to form a contemporary train station rooted in history.
For this design studio course, the train station of Etterbeek, an important intermodal node in the Brussels network of public transport, is redesigned in order to satisfy the new requirements. The student engages in reflecting on the meaning of future transportation nodes in contemporary urban life, reflecting on what a train station should be, what functions it should offer, and how it should function. Furthermore, the question rises how a train station should present itself towards the city, and what ‘façade’ it needs along the rail tracks. The goal was to incorporate the existing historic heritage in the new design to form a contemporary train station rooted in history.
4.4
MASTER 2 master thesis
self-healing concrete with the use of fungi
It has been known that worldwide infrastructure has suffered from degradation. One of the main issues is crack formation, an inherent flaw of concrete. Cracks in concrete can be harmful for instance to the steel reinforcement due to the entrance of aggressive components, such as chloride ions, causing corrosion and consequently a decreased service life. Therefore, concerns towards the durability have raised within the last two decades, which encouraged researchers to investigate the self-healing techniques of concrete. One of these approaches is the use of microorganisms through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The microbial approach has so far been restricted to the bacteria. Recently, fungi have also shown to be potent candidates for self-healing concrete, however, they remain unexplored in concrete. The research of this master thesis explores the potent candidate Trichoderma reesei in the alkaline environment of concrete. Although it has shown its ability of precipitating calcium carbonate, it is known that this fungus favors a more acidic pH and consequently their growth is rather impaired in the alkaline environment. To promote the fungal growth, different feeding substrates and solutions are investigated. For the first time, fungal spores are also added to the mix of cement. Furthermore, the precipitation of calcium carbonate by T. reesei is examined.
self-healing concrete with the use of fungi
It has been known that worldwide infrastructure has suffered from degradation. One of the main issues is crack formation, an inherent flaw of concrete. Cracks in concrete can be harmful for instance to the steel reinforcement due to the entrance of aggressive components, such as chloride ions, causing corrosion and consequently a decreased service life. Therefore, concerns towards the durability have raised within the last two decades, which encouraged researchers to investigate the self-healing techniques of concrete. One of these approaches is the use of microorganisms through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The microbial approach has so far been restricted to the bacteria. Recently, fungi have also shown to be potent candidates for selfhealing concrete, however, they remain unexplored in concrete. The research of this master thesis explores the potent candidate Trichoderma reesei in the alkaline environment of concrete. Although it has shown its ability of precipitating calcium carbonate, it is known that this fungus favors a more acidic pH and consequently their growth is rather impaired in the alkaline environment. To promote the fungal growth, different feeding substrates and solutions are investigated. For the first time, fungal spores are also added to the mix of cement. Furthermore, the precipitation of calcium carbonate by Trichoderma reesei is examined.
It has been known that worldwide infrastructure has suffered from degradation. One of the main issues is crack formation, an inherent flaw of concrete. Cracks in concrete can be harmful for instance to the steel reinforcement due to the entrance of aggressive components, such as chloride ions, causing corrosion and consequently a decreased service life. Therefore, concerns towards the durability have raised within the last two decades, which encouraged researchers to investigate the self-healing techniques of concrete. One of these approaches is the use of microorganisms through the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The microbial approach has so far been restricted to the bacteria. Recently, fungi have also shown to be potent candidates for selfhealing concrete, however, they remain unexplored in concrete. The research of this master thesis explores the potent candidate Trichoderma reesei in the alkaline environment of concrete. Although it has shown its ability of precipitating calcium carbonate, it is known that this fungus favors a more acidic pH and consequently their growth is rather impaired in the alkaline environment. To promote the fungal growth, different feeding substrates and solutions are investigated. For the first time, fungal spores are also added to the mix of cement. Furthermore, the precipitation of calcium carbonate by Trichoderma reesei is examined.
4.4
Preparation of cement
4.4 Preparation of cement
For the preparation of cement paste (a mixture of water and cement), four different types of cement are used. All these types are determined by their composition , which is briefly summarized in Table 1. The numbers 32.5 and 52.5 and the letter N are, respectively, associated with the strength class and the normal intitial strength [34], which are not of importance in this thesis. The most important aspect of these cement types is that when lower content of Portland clinker is present, there is less Ca(OH)2 present during the cement hydration. Ca(OH)2 is related to the formation of portlandite (the second most common hydration product, after calcium-silicatehydrate) and is mainly attributed to the high alkalinity [24] When preparing the
For the preparation of cement paste (a mixture of water and cement), four different types of cement are used. All these types are determined by their composition , which is briefly summarized in Table 1. The numbers 32.5 and 52.5 and the letter N are, respectively, associated with the strength class and the normal intitial strength [34], which are not of importance in this thesis. The most important aspect of these cement types is that when lower content of Portland clinker is present, there is less Ca(OH)2 present during the cement hydration. Ca(OH)2 is related to the formation of portlandite (the second most common hydration product, after calcium-silicatehydrate) and is mainly attributed to the high alkalinity . [24] When preparing the
For the preparation of cement paste (a mixture of water and cement), four different types of cement are used. All these types are determined by their composition , which is briefly summarized in Table 1. The numbers 32.5 and 52.5 and the letter N are, respectively, associated with the strength class and the normal intitial strength [34], which are not of importance in this thesis. The most important aspect of these cement types is that when lower content of Portland clinker is present, there is less Ca(OH)2 present during the cement hydration. Ca(OH)2 is related to the formation of portlandite (the second most common hydration product, after calcium-silicate-
For the preparation of cement paste (a mixture of water and cement), four different types of cement are used. All these types are determined by their composition , which is briefly summarized in Table 1. The numbers 32.5 and 52.5 and the letter N are, respectively, associated with the strength class and the normal intitial strength [34], which are not of importance in this thesis. The most important aspect of these cement types is that when lower content of Portland clinker is present, there is less Ca(OH)2 present during the cement hydration. Ca(OH)2 is related to the formation of portlandite (the second most common hydration product, after calcium-silicate-
5.7.2.3 Chemical characterisation
5.7.2.3 Chemical characterisation
5.7.2.3 Chemical characterisation
5.7.2.3 Chemical characterisation
Samples were extracted from cement covered with mycelium and spores for the FTIR analysis Three main peaks (1416, 871 and 711 cm-1), characteristic of calcium carbonate, were detected (see Annex D.2). However, this could be related to the carbonation of cement. [74]
Samples were extracted from cement covered with mycelium and spores for the FTIR analysis. Three main peaks (1416, 871 and 711 cm-1), characteristic of calcium carbonate, were detected (see Annex D.2). However, this could be related to the carbonation of cement. [74]
Samples were extracted from cement covered with mycelium and spores for the FTIR analysis. Three main peaks (1416, 871 and 711 cm-1), characteristic of calcium carbonate, were detected (see Annex D.2). However, this could be related to the carbonation of cement [74]
Samples were extracted from cement covered with mycelium and spores for the FTIR analysis. Three main peaks (1416, 871 and 711 cm-1), characteristic of calcium carbonate, were detected (see Annex D.2). However, this could be related to the carbonation of cement. [74]
5.7.3 Summary
5.7.3 Summary
5.7.3 Summary
5.7.3 Summary
Although the SEM analysis of the last experiment showed interesting results in terms of precipitation of crystals and fungal growth on cement, the fungal growth only
Although the SEM analysis of the last experiment showed interesting results in terms of precipitation of crystals and fungal growth on cement, the fungal growth only
Although the SEM analysis of the last experiment showed interesting results in terms
Although the SEM analysis of the last experiment showed interesting results in terms
Fig ure 7 a Scraping off the surface of MEA b Preparation of the MEA Petri dishes for harvesting T. reesei spores.
Fig ure 42 SEM images of samples taken from cement mixed with calcium lactate and cotton + breadcrumbs: showi ng the sphere- shaped cyrstals. B ar marker = 10 micrometer.
shaped crystals
Radiating needle-like
Fig ure 42 SEM images of samples taken from cement mixed with calcium lactate and cotton + breadcrumbs: showi ng the sphere- shaped cyrstals. B ar marker = 10 micrometer.
Radiating
Fig ure 7 a Scraping off the surface of MEA b Preparation of the MEA Petri dishes for harvesting T. reesei spores.
Fig ure 7. a Scraping off the surface of MEA b Preparation of the MEA Petri dishes for harvesting T. reesei spores.
4.4 Preparation of cement
Fig ure 42 SEM images of samples taken from cement mixed with calcium lactate and cotton + breadcrumbs: showi ng the sphere- shaped cyrstals. B ar marker = 10 micrometer.
Fig ure 42 SEM images of samples taken from cement mixed with calcium lactate and cotton + breadcrumbs: showi ng the sphere- shaped cyrstals. B ar marker = 10 micrometer.
Fig ure 7 a Scraping off the surface of MEA b Preparation of the MEA Petri dishes for harvesting T. reesei spores.
Preparation of cement
the art). When zooming in further ( Figure 56.f), it seemed that there was a hypha pentetrating in one of the crystals A half-sphere shaped crystal with a central hole was also observed indicating the fungal involvement. However, the hypha was not seen, but as the sphere-shaped crystal seemed to be broken, the hyphae might be as well broken (for instance due to the vacuum of SEM).
the art). When zooming in further ( Figure 56.f), it seemed that there was a hypha pentetrating in one of the crystals A half-sphere shaped crystal with a central hole was also observed indicating the fungal involvement. However, the hypha was not seen, but as the sphere-shaped crystal seemed to be broken, the hyphae might be as well broken (for instance due to the vacuum of SEM).
At the interface of cement and brewery yeast, sphere-shaped crystals were observed in the hyphal network ( Figure 57.a). Interestingly, in Figure 57.b, a layer of presumably minerals was formed a hypha, which may suggest that the hypha had been acted as a nucleation site for crystal growth. This was also demonstrated by Pasquale et al. in which the hyphae of Plectosphaerella cucumerina was thickened by mineral precipitation (calcite) . [87] Moreover, it appeared that the hypha was forming spheres. Furthermore, the hyphae were also growing from brewery yeast to the surface of cement and exhibited similar morphologies as in the images of corn (Figure 56).
At the interface of cement and brewery yeast, sphere-shaped crystals were observed in the hyphal network ( Figure 57.a). Interestingly, in Figure 57.b, a thick layer of presumably minerals was formed around a hypha, which may suggest that the hypha had been acted as a nucleation site for crystal growth. This was also demonstrated by Pasquale et al. in which the hyphae of Plectosphaerella cucumerina was thickened by mineral precipitation (calcite) . [87] Moreover, it appeared that the hypha was forming spheres. Furthermore, the hyphae were also growing from brewery yeast to the surface of cement and exhibited similar morphologies as in the images of corn (Figure 56).
Fig ure 47 . An overview of the nutrients (brewery yeast breadcrumbs, corn, oat and barley) mixed with ce ment and water. B est results were observed in brewer y yeast, corn and oat.
F g ure 47 . An overview of the nutrients (brewery yeast, breadcrumbs, corn, oat and barley) mixed with ce ment and water. Best results were observed in brewer y yeast, corn and oat.
6.3.1.2 Morphological characterisation
6.3.1.2 Morphological characterisation
Samples were extracted from the Petri dishes that are indicated with a cross in the overview (see Figure 47 for the crosses). Some of the surfaces of brewery yeast and cement were almost completely colonized by mycelium, see Figure 48. With regards to corn, Figure 49.a reveals a hyphal network appearing like a mycelial cord on the corn granules and cement. On some other locations, a dense intensity of spores was observed (Figure 49.b). The image displayed on the cover page of this master thesis was also taken from this sample. The mycelium in oat ( Figure 50) exhibited a similar structure as in brewery yeast. Interestingly , on some locations of the mycelial mats, clusters of particles appeared to be entwined by hyphae. It is unclear whether these clusters of particles are c rystals precipitated by T. reesei as they weren’t well-defined by their morphology. Another hypothesis: they could be particles from cement that have been transported by hyphae to the outside of mycelium (see Figure 50.c-d) Nonetheless, EDS s hould be perfor med to clarify the
Samples were extracted from the Petri dishes that are indicated with a cross in the overview (see Figure 47 for the crosses). Some of the surfaces of brewery yeast and cement were almost completely colonized by mycelium, see Figure 48. With regards to corn, Figure 49.a reveals a hyphal network appearing like a mycelial cord on the corn granules and cement. On some other locations, a dense intensity of spores was observed (Figure 49.b). The image displayed on the cover page of this master thesis was also taken from this sample. The mycelium in oat ( Figure 50) exhibited a similar structure as in brewery yeast Interestingly , on some locations of the mycelial mats, clusters of particles appeared to be entwined by hyphae. It is unclear whether these clusters of particles are c rystals precipitated by T. reesei as they weren’t well-defined by their morphology. Another hypothesis: they could be particles from cement that have been transported by hyphae to the outside of mycelium (see Figure 50.c-d) Nonetheless, EDS s hould be perfor med to clarify the
Fig ure 56 Corn immersed in calcium lactate in the vicinity of cement. Bar marker = 10 micrometer.
Fig ure 56 Corn immersed in calcium lactate in the vicinity of cement. Bar marker = 10 micrometer.
