In response to the urgent need for affordable and sustainable housing solutions in the Netherlands, a consortium of Limburg-based SMEs, knowledge and educational institutions, civil society, and end-users have embarked on a project aimed at creating a market-ready, economically viable solution for social housing challenges. This initiative, part of the OPZUID program, focuses on regional chain collaboration to develop circular construction innovations and a new housing concept that aligns with market demands.
Last year, CUBE Homes, SAM Panels, Mosa, and Block Materials, in collaboration with Brightlands Materials Center, CHILL/ZUYD University of Applied Sciences, and Brightlands Chemelot Campus, and supported by ZOwonen, Bouwmensen, and Rabobank, established a consortium to introduce a 100% Limburg house to the market. Following the success of the 100% Limburg bike, which led to numerous regional spin-offs, it’s now the turn for another product proudly originating from Limburg.
Central to this project is the introduction of a modular circular row house designed for social housing, characterized by its demountability, use of sustainable materials, nitrogen-free construction process, affordability, low maintenance, durability, comfort, attractiveness, and energy efficiency. This housing concept represents a step forward in making circular and modular homes a feasible option for tackling housing shortages.
The consortium is also developing innovative circular building materials, including biobased multifunctional panels, smart circular windows, detachable tiling systems, and highly efficient circular insulation materials. These innovations are aimed at setting a new standard for sustainability and circularity in the construction industry.
Brightlands Materials Center is contributing to this project by supplying coated windows from its SunSmart project, which are manufactured in its own pilot line. These innovative windows are designed to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in building applications, aligning with the project’s goals of developing advanced, environmentally friendly construction solutions.
A key aspect of this project is the creation of a circular revenue and financing model, designed to make high-quality housing accessible at lower costs. This approach is expected to contribute to the project’s goal of achieving a significant level of sustainability and circularity in the built environment.
The OPZuid project has a duration of 3 years with a total budget of 2.6 million euros and receives a contribution from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, with co-financing from the Province of Limburg. The first homes will be ready for the market in 2025.
More information
Read more on the project on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus website (Dutch) and the Stimulus website (Dutch).