1. practice circular design
In circular design all materials, building parts and products maintain their value as long as possible. This minimalises the impact of the construction industry on the planet and reduces the CO2-emission.
a circular business model is the starting point for circular architecture
We want to provide insight into the hidden consequences of our design. That is why we challenge the client with regard to his request and business model.
Circularity is about both the construction work and the integral process. Thinking differently about the (residual) value of a product leads directly to another revenue model. Other business models are also possible due to changes in ownership or return systems.
In order to achieve this, working together in teams (internally) or with chain partners is of great importance. Moreover, interdisciplinary thinking ensures diversity, which makes our sector adaptive. A circular business model involves a long-term commitment to what you have made: architects then become recurring – ‘circular’ – architects.
We take responsibility and can be held accountable.
a structure is adaptive and flexible during its life
In designing, we take into account the entire lifecycle of a building in its context. That is why we do not design for the first user, but with the second or third user in mind. This requires an adaptive design that can respond to multiple functions and different occupants.
We make a distinction between sustainable building elements with a long lifespan (such as a main loadbearing construction) and flexible build components with a shorter service life. We design buildings that are modular and smart so that parts that need to be repaired or replaced are easily accessible.
the building materials are of high quality, nontoxic and easily reusable
We believe it is important to understand the composition of the materials that building components and structures contain, because materials play an essential role in the circular economy. As a designer you can actively contribute to the minimization of waste by designing building components and using materials that are made of environment-friendly and safe ingredients. We prefer to choose materials with a long lifespan, to avoid materials with toxic components and we try to use non-composite materials wherever possible. Keeping good records of the materials utilized makes it possible to use a structure as a ‘raw materials bank’.
