Sustainable building materials: Natural elements in construction

In this theme your study program can have a focus on:

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Timber Construction

Timber construction is gaining momentum in Denmark, with projects like Fælledbyen in Copenhagen, featuring over 2,000 social housing units built with wood and CLT, setting new standards. Award-winning projects in Aarhus and Copenhagen also highlight wood's advantages, including:

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• Fast construction times

• Superior acoustics

• A healthy indoor climate

 

Wood naturally stores CO₂ and can be reused in transformation projects. Case studies from Zurich, Helsinki, and Southern Sweden demonstrate how CLT and prefabricated solutions are driving progress in sustainable construction.

 

A Circular Approach

More construction projects are embracing recycled and bio-based materials to reduce waste and support a circular economy. Notable examples include:

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• Textile insulation from discarded clothing (e.g., innovations from startups like Insutex).

• Reclaimed bricks, roof tiles, and wood for renovation projects.

• Compressed earth, hemp, and seagrass insulation as natural alternatives.

• Solar-active surfaces that merge functionality with energy optimization.

 

Discover how circular materials can transform your building projects through real-world case studies and expert insights.

 

Concrete & The Green Transition

Concrete is the world’s most widely used building material, yet the cement industry is working to lower CO₂ emissions through:

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• Recycled concrete from demolished structures (e.g., Kunsthaus Zürich, which uses 98% recycled concrete).

• CO₂-reducing additives, such as calcined oil shale.

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation and durable solutions.

 

We offer tailored programs to help you implement recycled concrete and reduce your carbon footprint. Contact us here. 

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The Future of Construction: Sustainable & Innovative

From timber and CLT to recycled materials and solar technologies, a new generation of construction is emerging with a focus on:

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• Circular economy & waste minimization

• Bio-based alternatives with low environmental impact

• Innovative solutions, such as textile waste insulation

 

Learn from past projects using recycled concrete in Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark. Contact us for a customized program that will help you integrate recycled materials into your circular transition.