Pirrouet® in action: A sustainable icon in Neeroeteren (BE)
The renovation of the Neeroeteren Cultural Centre is a textbook example of how sustainable building materials and collaboration can contribute to a greener future. This project is one of the first in Belgium to use Vandersanden’s innovative Pirrouet® facing bricks. Made from 80% recycled materials, and with a unique capacity to store CO2, this brick combines sustainability with efficiency. All the parties involved, from architects and contractors to the municipality, worked together to make this project a success.
An inspiring collaboration
The collaboration with BureauBR, a progressive architectural firm, started in 2022. Vandersanden presented the first prototypes of the Pirrouet® facing brick during an architect’s trip. From that moment on, BureauBR was closely involved in the development of this innovative brick. The Cultural Centre in Neeroeteren is one of the first projects in Belgium to make use of Pirrouet®. According to Vandersanden’s representative, Jolien Noben, this project represents an important milestone:“This is a milestone for us and our partners. Together we are taking an important step towards sustainable construction in Belgium."
Innovative material use
The Pirrouet® facing brick is a great example of circular construction:
- 80% recycled material: The brick is made from waste from the steel industry, and this significantly reduces the waste mountain.
- CO2-absorption: 60 kg of CO2 is saved for every ton of bricks. For the Cultural Centre this means a total absorption of 11.4 tonnes of CO2.
In addition to the CO2-negative facing brick, other sustainable choices were also made such as the use of rock wool instead of traditional insulation and lime mortar instead of cement mortar. These materials contribute to the building’s recyclability in the future.
Architectural vision
The choice of a yellow facing brick, made by architect Pieter Vandekerkhof, was inspired by the former town hall that previously stood in the same location. According to Vandekerkhof, this choice reflects respect for the historical value of the location:
“We wanted to preserve the ‘sense of place’. This place boasts a lot of history, and we have shown our respect for its past with this design.”
Easy processing on the construction site
Contractor Jan Baillien and his team emphasise the user-friendliness of the brick. According to Baillien, Pirrouet® works just like a traditional brick, which keeps the construction process efficient. Project leader Kurt Vandewinkel contributes by stating that delivery in half packs, which can be placed directly on the scaffolding, results in significant time savings.
Working together for sustainability
The Neeroeteren project shows how public clients, architects, contractors and suppliers can work on sustainable innovations together. According to Mayor Johan Tollenaere, choosing the Pirrouet® facing brick was obvious: “We were convinced from the moment we discovered Pirrouet®. It’s great to see this kind of innovation happening in our own region.”
A milestone for Vandersanden
This project is a powerful example for Vandersanden of the possibilities if sustainability is put front and centre. Those involved see it as a milestone in the search for innovative construction solutions. “Pirrouet® is not just a product; it is a promise for the future. “Working in collaboration with our partners, we are building a better, more sustainable world,” says Jolien.
Pirrouet®: the future of facing bricks
Have you been inspired by this project, and would you like to know more about the contribution Pirrouet® facing bricks can make to your next design? Contact us to learn more about this revolutionary facing brick and how we can build a sustainable future together. Or sign up for our news updates and be the first to know about the latest developments and innovations concerning Pirrouet®. Together we are building a community that bricks the way for responsible building and sustainable living.
Any questions?
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