From concept to realization: sustainable residential project Groen Nobelhorst rises in Almere (The Netherlands)
In the heart of Almere, Groen Nobelhorst is taking shape: a construction project consisting of 60 residences designed for sustainable and nature-inclusive living. The houses are built using innovative materials, such as bio-based insulation and green roofs. However, what truly sets this project apart is the use of revolutionary Pirrouet® facing bricks. Not only are these facing bricks environmentally friendly, they takes things one step further. Pirrouet® actively contributes to reducing CO2, which is important in sustainable construction.
Innovation in the Construction Industry: The CO2-negative Pirrouet® Facing Brick
The facing brick chosen for Green Nobelhorst is Pirrouet®, an innovative brick that permanently absorbs CO2 during the production process. Johan Deburchgrave, CEO of Vandersanden, explains: “We are immensely proud to have developed a CO2-negative facing brick. Pirrouet® is currently being used for the first time in the Netherlands in a project executed jointly with Heutink Group and SOME architects: the Groen Nobelhorst project. The result will be a reference project that showcases the possibilities offered by innovative and sustainable materials. Our collaboration on Groen Nobelhorst is a prime example of our mission to promote sustainability.”
A Deliberate Commitment to Sustainability
The Green Nobelhorst project is more than just a construction project; it is a step in the direction of a sustainable future. Architect Merijn de Jong of SOME architects speaks about the project with enthusiasm: “There could not have been a better moment to start using Pirrouet® facing bricks. The project offers an opportunity to really make a sustainable statement." The result is a beautiful, green neighbourhood where residents live together in harmony with nature.
There could not have been a better moment to start using Pirrouet® facing bricks. The project offers an opportunity to really make a sustainable statement.
Traditional Craftsmanship with Innovative Materials
The construction industry is on the cusp of major change. Traditional bricks have proven their worth, but revolutionary new products such as the Pirrouet® facing brick offer a new perspective. What makes Pirrouet® so special is that it can be laid using traditional construction techniques, without requiring any complicated modifications. “We are laying the Pirrouet® bricks with a flush-pointing mortar, just as we would with ordinary masonry bricks,” explains Arjan van den Herk, Director of Construction at Heutink Group. “The only difference is that the bricks must be easy to remove for possible reuse, which contributes to circularity in the construction industry. We adapted the mortar to facilitate this, but otherwise Pirrouet® can be laid just like any other masonry brick.”
According to Adrie Bos, a mason at Heutink Group and who was among the first to use these bricks, it is an honour to be part of this pioneering project. “They are a bit heavier and different in format, but the consistency in size and quality are good, which makes working with them easier. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Collaboration and Success
The Groen Nobelhorst project owes it success to close collaboration between Heutink Group, SOME architects and Vandersanden. Johan Deburchgrave stresses: “SOME architects deliberately selected sustainable Pirrouet® facing bricks, which was essential for achieving the goals associated with this project. Our joint efforts ensured that the project was completed without delay.” Helmich Heutink, CEO of Heutink Group, looks back on a successful collaboration: “Thanks to Vandersanden, the development process was very pleasant. We were still pioneering at times due to the different bond, the divergent LF50-S size and the schedule, but all in all it was a great experience.”
Paving the Way towards Sustainable Construction
The Pirrouet® brick represents the future of the construction industry; not only due to its innovative CO2-reducing properties, but also for its distinctive appeal in comparison to conventional bricks. “I believe this is the future of masonry,” says Arjan van Herk. “This project taught us not only how to lay this type of brick, but also familiarised us with all of its properties. I think we will be using it in a lot of future projects.”
At Groen Nobelhorst, the choice of sustainable materials such as the Pirrouet® facing brick not only marks an important step forward, but also serves as a source of inspiration for the future. As Helmich Heutink points out: “Although the construction industry in the Netherlands is conservative, you also see companies like ours who want to showcase their capacity for innovation. Facing bricks remain a popular material due to their warm look and historic, traditional appeal. Thanks to projects such as Green Nobelhorst, we are showing the world that innovative products such as Pirrouet® can make a valuable contribution to advancing sustainability in the construction industry.”
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