Estonian Architects Made Raw Bricks from Construction Waste in Brussels

You can also watch the video clip on the ERR website here.

During our Circular Architecture Accelerator study trip to Brussels, the participating architects and engineers experimented with making eco-friendly raw bricks by mixing clay, gravel, sand, and straw—some of which would otherwise be construction waste. The workshop was organized by the Belgian architectural collective BC Materials, whose goal is to promote and expand clay-based construction, seeing it as a key solution to reducing the massive environmental impact of the construction sector. The bricks are made without firing, making them more environmentally friendly while still being durable enough for construction.

According to architect Johan Tali (Molumba), mixing and testing different materials helps to better understand how these bricks can be used. Raw bricks can be applied in the construction of both three-story houses and the interior walls of skyscrapers. Nicolas Coeckelberghs, co-founder of BC Materials, noted that their production is currently 40% more expensive than concrete, but rising energy prices could make them more competitive.

Hannes Praks, head of the Estonian Centre for Architecture, emphasizes that traditionally, buildings have been constructed with local materials, and every material is valuable when used correctly. Raw bricks help reduce the carbon footprint, but their cost remains a challenge. Nevertheless, seeking environmentally friendly solutions is essential to minimizing the impact of construction on nature.