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.
Advisory board meeting
September 24, we were hosted by Buildwise in Zaventem for an inspiring advisory board meeting.
The agenda included inspiring lectures on the ongoing case studies involving with earth blocks, the hygrothermal behavior of earth blocks, and an interactive workshop.
24.09.2024
Site visit 50&c.O. Ostend
Recently, we visited the construction site of the 50&c.O. cohousing project in Ostend, where earth blocks are being used as non-load-bearing interior masonry.
The project beautifully demonstrates how earth blocks can be utilised in a renovation project.
With the structural works being nearly complete, the next phase is approaching: the finishing. We look forward to following up the next steps of this remarkable project soon.
15.10.2024
Werfbezoek Scharphoutsite
In Brugge zijn architectenbureau Architectuuratelier Dertien12 en aannemer Vandenbussche aan de slag gegaan met de gestabiliseerde leemstenen van BC Materials.
Op de voormalige Scharphoutsite wordt een circulair ontmoetingscentrum gebouwd, met een uitgebreid programma dat onder andere een sporthal, bibliotheek en lokaal dienstencentrum omvat.
In dit mooie pilootproject wordt de leemsteen toegepast voor de realisatie van zowel de binnenmuren als het binnenspouwblad.
23.09.2024
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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.