Construction Campus 2.0
Construction Campus 2.0will provide space for research and testing infrastructure to address the challenges of the construction sector of tomorrow. The campus is an initiative of POM Limburg, UHasselt and Embuild Limburg, co-financed by the European Union and VLAIO, and responds to a clear need in the sector.
For years, the construction sector has been struggling with high levels of waste and low profitability, two major challenges that call precisely for an important transition towards digital and circular construction. With Construction Campus 2.0 as its flagship, Limburg aims to become a frontrunner in this.
Circular campus
The new 5,500 m² building on the site of the Diepenbeek Limburg DC campus will be designed to be fully modular and circular. Wooden columns and beams form a structure that can be easily dismantled and reused. This makes the building flexibly adaptable to future needs without major renovations. The building’s lifespan is estimated at more than 100 years, with materials being able to gain a new life after use.
The architecture is a collaboration between the Dutch firm Broekbakema and Limburg-based a2o architects. Vanhout from Geel and construction company Dethier from Alken are responsible for the execution.
Energy-positive and innovative
Bouwcampus 2.0 goes beyond energy efficiency: the building will generate more energy than it consumes and will therefore be energy-positive. This is made possible by integrated solar panels in the façade and canopies, an innovative air treatment system that uses natural energy sources, a compact design and a well-thought-out façade system that minimizes energy consumption.
The technical innovations are not only functional but also visible. Climate cores and solar installations are part of the design and demonstrate how technology and architecture go hand in hand. The entire building has been digitally designed in BIM (Building Information Model). This allows the impact of design choices to be technically assessed very quickly.
Unique ecosystem
In addition to office spaces for partners such as Embuild Limburg, the Flemish expertise centre for Accessibility Inter and DUBO, Construction Campus 2.0 offers a central meeting space, flexible workstations and an auditorium. The meeting zone is visible from the façade, giving the building an open and vibrant appearance. The inner courtyard and pavilions in nature provide students, lecturers and researchers with inspiration and stimulate interaction.
An important part of the building is an extension of Hasselt University’s concrete application centre. The new 1,100 m² laboratory will focus on research into circular construction materials and offers additional opportunities for innovation in the sector.
Construction works started in april 2026 and the building will be put into use in 2027. The project has a total budget of 27.2 million euros, financed by ERDF (9.4 million euros), Flanders (3.5 million euros) and private funds.
