VLAIO LIVING LAB CIRCULAR ECONOMY
FROM EARTH TO VALUE
APPLICATION OF EARTH BLOCKS IN THE FLEMISH BUILDING PRACTICE
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Earth blocks are circular building products that can reduce the material footprint and CO2 emissions of the construction industry
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 explored the use of earth blocks in construction projects over a period of three years.
Through experimental research, real-practice based case studies and a demonstration project with social and ecological impact, technical challenges in the design and execution of earth block masonry were examined. In addition, the experiences and preferences of architects, contractors and clients were documented and incorporated into the development of concrete design solutions.
The knowledge developed through the Living Lab was actively shared through various events and publications, making the application potential of earth blocks visible to a broad audience of building professionals and commissioning bodies. A first tangible outcome of the Living Lab is a book that presents 32 realised projects in which earth blocks were applied. This publication documents design strategies, material choices, technical detailing and construction processes, and makes the acquired knowledge accessible to architects, contractors and clients. The publication can be downloaded below.
In addition, a navigation guide is currently under development to support decision making, and design- and execution processes for earth block masonry. This guide will be published later this year, together with a series of technical reports addressing topics such as material properties, moisture behaviour, structural performance and user preferences.
Publication: Earth Block Masonry in Western Europe: Inspiring Case Studies
Publication: Earth Block Masonry in Western Europe: Inspiring Case Studies
One of the key outcomes of the living lab is this publication. The book brings together thirty-two practice-based case studies from Western Europe in which unfired earth blocks play a central role within the architectural concept and material strategy. The selection was made in consultation with project partners, architects, contractors, and producers, and offers a representative overview of the current state of practice.
The publication includes both projects realised in Belgium within the framework of the living lab and European reference projects that were visited for their alternative approach or advanced application of unfired earth blocks. Each project emerges from a specific context, yet together the cases demonstrate how unfired earth blocks are currently applied in a wide variety of ways.
Research and International Perspective
Within the living lab, several projects were closely monitored, with attention to design decisions, on-site execution, and the experiences of all involved actors. In addition, the research was expanded through an international perspective. In countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland, the application of unfired earth blocks is more advanced in terms of regulations and practical implementation. To better understand these contexts, approximately 100 international projects were documented, and 15 projects were visited with the involved architects. These visits generated valuable insights and lessons learned, which were translated to the Flemish context.
Content and Structure of the Book
The analysis of each project is based on one or more site visits and an in-depth interview with the architect or building partner. Design and construction choices were critically examined, resulting in a deeper understanding of the behaviour of unfired earth block masonry in practice, its long-term performance, and the experiences of users, designers, and builders.
For each project, the book includes:
• a project description with a focus on context and material choices
• an analysis of design and construction
• a developed construction detail showing how the unfired earth block masonry was designed and built
• photographic material and on-site observations
The selected projects cover a wide range of building typologies and scales. In some projects, unfired earth blocks form a specific part of the building, while in others the material is fully integrated into the overall design. Together, the cases present a nuanced and inspiring picture of the possibilities of unfired earth blocks in contemporary architecture.
Download
The publication is available online and can be downloaded free of charge via the link below.
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Project team
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.
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