● Brussels circular demo building officially opened – Stay tuned for more project updates!

This building marks an important step towards a circular construction sector showing how innovative materials, modular design and smart digital tools can come together in a single realistic and scalable pilot project. The demonstration building forms part of two European pilot sites, one in Brussels and one in Barcelona. They showcase that circular construction is no longer an abstract ideal but a viable practice.

The building consists of a compact structure measuring 60 square metres, constructed by Holland Composites from prefabricated modules that can be completely dismantled and reused at the end of their service life.

Various research partners have developed new materials based on alkali-activated cements, which incorporate blast furnace slag and plant-based waste streams. These materials emit up to five times less CO₂ than conventional cement and are fully in line with RECONSTRUCT’s circular economy ambitions. Combining these materials with lightweight, modular building elements opens up new possibilities for buildings that can be assembled and dismantled with equal ease.

The innovation, however, goes beyond physical materials. We are also working on the digital aspect of circular construction: material passports, BIM models and digital twins are being designed to make every component of the building traceable throughout its entire life cycle. This digital strategy is crucial for simplifying the reuse of materials in the future and for managing raw material flows more transparently.

Furthermore, through the RECONSTRUCT Circular Construction Hub, a knowledge network established in Brussels and Barcelona, the project shares its latest news, research findings and innovations with companies, designers and public institutions

The new demonstration building, which serves as a living laboratory for researchers, industry partners and policymakers, will be used in the coming years for measurements, workshops, training courses, and demonstrations. The insights gained here will not only support future construction projects in Brussels, but also the European ambition to drastically reduce construction waste and encourage reuse.

Want to know more about the RECONSTRUCT project and get involved?

• On 30 September, we will host a free webinar on the evaluation of Social Life Cycle Assessment.
• In October, an on-site workshop on circular business models will be organised at the VUB.
• The third Open Lab is planned for the end of November at the Green Energy Park Living Lab, giving participants the chance to visit the circular demo building in person.

Please visit the Reconstruct platform for more detailed information on the Reconstruct project and the upcoming events.