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metaform - ARCHITECTS

SKINPERIUM

- Betrange, Luxembourg

““In the EU, more than 450 million tons of construction and demolition waste is generated every year, which makes it the largest waste stream in quantitative terms, with the exception of mining and farm wastes.” ”
Mohammed Osmani Waste, 2011

Skinperium redefines sustainable design by prioritizing zero waste at every stage. Combining resource efficiency with innovative planning, it focuses on reducing material usage, minimizing waste, and integrating circular economy principles to create a space that is both functional and environmentally responsible.

Together with Dr. Christine Dierickx we set out with a bold vision: to design a space that adhered to the principles of zero waste. We believed that sustainability was not just about recycling but required a fundamental reduction in the use of finite raw materials. Our mission was clear—save resources, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption.

The project was born out of a growing awareness of the significant waste generated on construction sites. Typical projects see 30% of building materials end up as waste, contributing to environmental degradation and resource depletion .The environmental impact of construction waste, combined with the urgent need for sustainable practices, motivated the our team to pioneer a new, zero-waste approach.

What was the solution?

 

Our team adopted a zero-waste methodology, focusing on:

  • Precise material planning to reduce excess.
  • Reuse of materials wherever possible.
  • Partnering with suppliers committed to sustainable practices.
  • Every material, from packaging to installations, was tracked and managed to ensure minimal waste.

The majority of the materials, totaling 30,427 kg, were effectively utilized in the construction and has been distributed across various components.

The project started with a nearly completed building shell, and the team focused on the interior work. From the beginning, every decision revolved around minimizing material use while maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of the design. They analyzed each material, from its procurement to its end-of-life potential, ensuring that nothing went to waste.

What strategies and processes were implemented?

  • Daily Waste Tracking: Waste was separated and recorded daily, ensuring accountability.
  • Sustainable Partnerships: Only suppliers and contractors who actively minimized waste in production and delivery were chosen.

 

Material Optimization:

  • Raised Floors: A previously tested method to reduce waste during floor installations was optimized further.
  • Furniture Joinery: The joinery ensured no waste was generated during delivery.
  • Circular Processes: Recyclable materials were looped back into the system.

A critical aspect of their success was the selection of suppliers and contractors. Our team partnered only with companies committed to waste reduction. The joinery responsible for producing furniture ensured that no waste was generated during production and even avoided waste in the delivery process by using reusable and minimal packaging.

To maintain a clean and efficient construction site, we have implemented a rigorous waste management system. Every day, packaging materials and other waste were collected and separated for recycling or reuse. This daily effort ensured that the site remained orderly and allowed us to track the progress toward the zero-waste goal.

Location
Betrange, Luxembourg
Year
2023
Typology
Healthcare Office
Size
180 m2
Status
Completed
Client
Skinperium Christine Dierickx
Photographer
Steve Troes

Campus Berchem