This elective takes place in the form of an intensive workshop during the white week from 28th November to first December 2023 at Hasselt University in collaboration with building beyond borders, a cross-border learning platform which enhances knowledge and pushs action towards regenerative and distributive design and building processes.

https://www.buildingbeyondborders.be

The workshop introduces transformation processes of local raw materials, mainly focused on the use of unfired earth. The hands-on workshop format allows you to learn by doing, seeing and feeling. Goal is to understand a building materials life cycle from start to finish: A study of geo-based earth blocks & bio-based hemp-lime blocks from production to masoning to its end of life.

Key components of the workshop week:

-Production site visits: You will visit the production facilities of both geo-based earth blocks and bio-based hemp-lime blocks. Witness the entire manufacturing process, from raw resources to the creation of finished building blocks.

-Hands-on building: Actively participate in constructing prototype walls using these sustainable materials. Gain practical insights into their unique properties and applications.

-Deconstruction exercise: In a thought-provoking exercise, you will be involved in the controlled demolition of prototype walls. This exercise simulates the complete lifecycle of architectural structures, emphasizing sustainability in both construction and deconstruction.

Tuesday 28th construct testwalls

-am introduction to LCA analysis lunch

-pm atelier demount

Wednesday 29th Limburg trip

-earth brick production (Claessens factory)

-rammedearth watchtower (Negenoord)-fibre block project (tbc)

Thursday 30th Namur trip

-grass fibre insulation (Gramitherm)

-prefab straw modules (paille-tech)

-hempcrete block production (Isohemp)

Friday 1st deconstruct testwalls

-am atelier mount lunch

-pm atelier mount

-conclusions on LCA analysis

Comprehending the life cycle of building materials, particularly bio-based and geo-based choices like earth blocks and hemplime blocks,is crucial for informed, sustainable construction decisions. These materials offer the potential to reduce environmental impacts, optimize resource and energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment. Effective management of their lifecycle fosters environmentally responsible construction practices.

What You’ll Achieve:

-Practical skills: Enhance your skills in working with sustainable building materials, moving beyond theoretical knowledge.

-Environmental awareness: Deepen your understanding of the environmental benefits and life-cylce thinking of geo-based and bio-based building.

costs per student: ca.150 € for visits – exact amount to be confirmed

Location Tuesday and Friday: Hasselt University, Faculty of Architecture, Diepenbeek

Meeting at 9.30am at the faculty > transport fromand to Aachen self organised

Wednesday & Thursday destinations: see in description, Bus from Hasselt is provided.

Transport: The Faculty of architecture of Uhasselt in Diepenbeek is reachable by public transport. For the visits on Wednesday &Thursday we’ll have a bus available leaving from Hasselt station.

Clothes: Provide clothes that can get dirty.

Food: At the Faculty of architecture, there is a canteen. For the trips, please provide a pic-nic.

Accomodation: If you wish to stay closeby for the night, there is one Hostel at the train station of Hasselt, Hostel H. From here the faculty is only a bus trip away. You are free to choose if you want to commute to and from Aachen or to stay in Hasselt Hostel over night. This is to be organised by yourself!