At the Baarermatte construction site, circular construction is not only being planned, but also implemented. Concrete columns and ceiling elements from the existing building are being given a second life – precisely cut out, accurately numbered, and reused in the new building. What is being created here is one of Allreal's most ambitious reuse projects: technically sophisticated, logistically complex, and groundbreaking in terms of circular construction.
Circular construction with concrete components
Over 276 concrete elements and around 270 columns are being recovered from existing building sections and integrated into five new buildings. The components originate from different construction phases in the 1980s and 2000s, with varying load assumptions and reinforcement.
To ensure that each element can be reinstalled correctly in terms of statics, it is cut with millimeter precision, clearly labeled, temporarily stored, and then installed in its intended place in the new building. The reused elements remain visible: impressions, markings, and signs of wear are deliberately part of the new architecture.
Sustainability down to the last detail
Sustainability is also evident at Baarermatte in places where it is not immediately visible. The new pond is sealed with a bentonite mat made of natural clay, which does not contain any plastic and seals itself on contact with water. During demolition, materials are consistently separated, recycled, or reused directly in the project. At the same time, the high groundwater level requires special measures: pipes, shafts, and channels are specifically secured and weighted to ensure long-term stability.
A project that sets an example
The Baarermatte shows how complex circular construction is in practice – and what is possible when planning, construction management, and contractors work closely together. Reuse, demolition, statics, logistics, and design all come together here.
A construction project that is not only designed to be sustainable, but also implemented under real conditions.