Circularity
We design biobased. This means that the materials and raw materials for our buildings are essentially biological and renewable. Biobased materials store CO₂ during growth, and during processing and application, they produce significantly lower emissions than concrete, steel, and traditional plastics.
Biobased materials reduce the construction industry's dependence on oil and gas. Moreover, these materials are often lightweight, healthy, and circular, meaning they can be reused and produce minimal waste. They often grow quickly—think wood, bamboo, flax, hemp, and reed, for example—are locally grown, and are easy to process. We consider this important because the construction sector is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and resource-intensive materials worldwide. By critically examining material use and alternatives, we reduce raw material consumption, CO₂ emissions, and waste.
Biobased materials make construction less dependent on oil and gas
Our goal is to minimize the resource and environmental impact of our buildings. Therefore, we strive to create designs that require minimal materials. We carefully select the materials we use. Are they healthy? We try to reuse as much material as possible. Then, we choose renewable materials. Only when absolutely necessary do we use non-renewable materials, but always as efficiently as possible. Another consideration: can the materials be reused or recycled in the future, when the building nears its end? This principle is called the Trias Materia.
We design buildings so that their components can be disassembled easily, safely, and without damage. We know from experience that buildings are expanded or modified every few years. It's beneficial when components are demountable and can be removed without breaking or sawing. It's also ideal when materials and components can be reused. That's why we prefer so-called dry connections such as screws, clicks, and clamps instead of often toxic glues or sealants.
Buildings are expanded or modified every few years. It's good when parts can be dismantled
We also design modularly. A building is assembled from prefabricated components from a factory, which are then assembled on site as large "building blocks." This is convenient for the builders: they work indoors, are independent of the weather, and can work in shifts. This speeds up construction considerably. Moreover, the modules are replaceable, expandable, and relocatable. This extends the lifespan of buildings, conserves resources, reduces CO₂ emissions, and makes renovations easier and more cost-effective.
Buildings have soul. We believe demolition is simply not done. This is due to their environmental value, their cultural value, and the emotional value they represent for people. We prefer to build on a foundation already laid and honor the people we stand for. However, not demolishing a building doesn't mean it should always remain the same. You can transform it; a school or office can easily be transformed into multiple homes.
Not demolishing doesn't mean a building always has to stay the same. A school or office can easily be transformed into multiple homes
You can also expand an existing building, for example by adding new, additional floors, as is the case with Hotel Mama Shelter in Amsterdam-Noord.
On Rotterdam's Coolsingel, we've adapted a monument to modern requirements. C93 is the city's first Paris-Proof monument.
Through the Material Lab in our office, we inform each other about the latest sustainable materials.
