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Designed from the outset for its components to be recovered and reused, Blok M is a hospital extension in Herentals, Belgium, conceived as a material reserve for the future.
The project, by archipelago architects in collaboration with 4DArchitects for AZ Herentals Hospital, provides temporary consultation spaces ahead of the hospital's relocation. With a planned lifespan of 20–25 years, its materials, connections, and potential for reuse are all part of a circular design strategy.
The structural system combines cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued laminated timber (glulam), and concrete cores for stability.
Supplied by vanhout.pro and Hasslacher Norica Timber, the timber elements use mechanical connections with screws and steel connectors, allowing components to be dismantled and potentially reused in other buildings.
This approach also aims to extend biogenic carbon storage in the timber, considering what happens to materials beyond their first use rather than focusing solely on their initial environmental impact.
Explore technical data for some of the materials used in this project.
From recovering entire building components to incorporating industrial waste, Blok M demonstrates different approaches to material circularity.
1. Reuse the structure with CLT and glulam. Reversible mechanical connections allow load-bearing timber elements to be dismantled and reused in future buildings.
2. Dismantle the facade with Equitone. These 8 mm fiber cement panels, with an A2-s1,d0 reaction-to-fire classification, are screw-fixed to a timber subframe, creating an adhesive-free, demountable ventilated facade.
3. Turn waste into bricks with Vandersanden Pirouette. Used at ground level, these bricks contain over 80% recycled raw materials and permanently bind CO₂ through carbonation. Lime mortar facilitates reuse.
4. Incorporate renewables with Corques Liquid Lino. Duracryl's seamless flooring combines vegetable oils and pre-consumer recycled cork. Used in offices and waiting areas, it was excluded from clinical spaces due to stricter hygiene requirements.
5. Combine performance and recyclability with ROCKWOOL Rockvent Extra. This noncombustible, recyclable stone wool insulation provides thermal and acoustic performance alongside fire protection.
Blok M shows that a material bank doesn't rely on a single construction solution. Reusable structural elements, demountable connections, recycled content, and renewable materials work together while addressing safety, hygiene, and durability.
Bring this material strategy into your own project with Kasper.
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