New building in Diepenbeek becomes a model for sustainable construction
DIEPENBEEK – On the initiative of the province of Limburg and POM Limburg, construction of “Bouwcampus 2.0” will begin in 2025. This innovative and circular building redefines the standard for sustainable construction within the sector. The knowledge and meeting center for the construction industry will feature a flexible design and innovative energy solutions. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
Bouwcampus 2.0 demonstrates how circular construction works in practice. The project integrates sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, positioning Limburg as a leader in the construction sector.
Flexible and sustainable design
The new 5,500 m² building, located on the Diepenbeek campus site “Limburg DC,” will be fully modular and circular in design. Wooden columns and beams will form a structure that can be easily dismantled and reused. This makes the building adaptable to future needs without extensive renovations. The building’s lifespan is estimated to exceed 100 years, with materials being repurposed after use.
The architectural design is a collaboration between Dutch firm Broekbakema and Limburg-based a2o architecten. Construction will be carried out by Vanhout from Geel and Dethier from Alken.
Energy-positive and innovative
Bouwcampus 2.0 will go beyond energy efficiency, becoming energy-positive by generating more energy than it consumes. This will be achieved through integrated solar panels in the facade and canopies, an innovative air treatment system that uses natural energy sources, a compact design, and a carefully engineered facade system to minimize energy consumption.
The technical innovations will be both functional and visible. Climate cores and solar installations will be integral to the design, showcasing how technology and architecture can work in harmony. The entire building is digitally designed using BIM (Building Information Modeling), allowing for rapid technical assessments of design decisions.
Space for collaboration and research
In addition to office spaces for partners such as Embuild, Inter, and DUBO, Bouwcampus 2.0 will include a central meeting area, flexible workspaces, and an auditorium. The meeting zone will be visible from the facade, giving the building an open and dynamic appearance.
A significant part of the building will be an expansion of the concrete application center of Hasselt University (UHasselt). The new 1,100 m² laboratory will focus on research into circular construction materials and provide additional opportunities for innovation in the sector.
Water-neutral
Water management plays a crucial role both on the site and in the surrounding area. The goal is not only to achieve water neutrality but also to be “water-positive.” Furthermore, measures will be taken to minimize disturbance to nature and the soil: no new basement structures will be built, construction will occur on already-disturbed surfaces, and all excavated soil will remain on-site.
Timeline and funding
Construction is set to begin at the end of 2025, with the building expected to be operational by 2027. The project has a total budget of €27.2 million, funded by EFRO (€9.4 million), the Flemish government (€3.5 million), and private investments.
