VLAIO LIVING LAB CIRCULAR ECONOMY
FROM EARTH TO VALUE
APPLICATION OF EARTH BLOCKS IN THE FLEMISH BUILDING PRACTICE
Earth blocks are circular building products that can reduce the material footprint and CO2 emissions of the construction industry
Within the VLAIO Living Lab Circular Economy "FROM EARTH TO VALUE: Application of earth blocks in the Flemish building practice" UHasselt, a2o-architects, Democo, Buildwise, BrickZ and BC materials explore the application of earth blocks in construction projects for three years.
Using experimental research, real-life case studies and a demo project with social-ecological impact, we investigate technical bottlenecks during the design- and execution process of earth block masonry. We also study the experiences and preferences of architects, contractors and building owners and take these into account when formulating design solutions.
The focus is on co-creation and interaction with a broad group of actors, including students and researchers as well as building professionals and (future) building owners. During various events and via publications, we disseminate the acquired knowledge, demonstrate application possibilities of earth blocks and aim to inspire and raise awareness among a broad target group.
Building Beyond Bricks Festival
Looking back at the Building Beyond Bricks Festival at the Pastorie in Helchteren, it was an inspiring three weeks filled with workshops, activities, and lectures. Participants delved into the possibilities of sustainable and regenerative materials such as wood, earth bricks, urban harvesting, earth plaster, and much more.
During the festival, work began on the demoproject which consist out of two key interventions:
-The garden pavilion, constructed with wood, compressed earth bricks, and locally harvested materials.
-A large pizza oven, built with moulded earth bricks.
01.06.2024
Expo: To have or to hold
After a successful 10th edition of the Horst Arts & Music festival, the pavilion can still be visited in the new expo “To Have or To Hold”.
The expo can be visited up until the 8th of September. Don't miss out on experiencing this incredible fusion of art, architecture and sustainability. For more information, visit the website of Horst Arts & Music.
01.06.2024
Community event
February 1st, we presented the living lab at the first Community Event of the 'Circular Construction Work Agenda'.
01.02.2024
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Project team
With support of
VLAIO is the Flemish government's point of contact for all entrepreneurs in Flanders. VLAIO stimulates and supports innovation and entrepreneurship and contributes to a favourable entrepreneurial climate, in cooperation with numerous partners.
VLAIO is fully committed to circular entrepreneurship. That is why this VLAIO project received support and resources from the European Commission's NextGenerationEU fund.