Circular reuse trends grow in Netherlands and Belgium

Sustainable reuse practices are gaining traction in the Netherlands and Belgium, influencing both residential clearing and architectural design. In residential settings, combining home clearances with sustainable reuse helps reduce waste through recycling and donations to charities or thrift stores.

In the construction sector, circular building is shifting architectural practices. Designers are increasingly using reclaimed materials sourced from material banks, donor buildings, or construction sites. This approach challenges the traditional ‘design first, build later’ sequence and alters the relationship between architects, contractors, and clients. Notable examples include projects by the Ghent-based collective Verloren Bekisting and the Rotterdam-based duo Studio Tepe and Rogier Franssen, where reused materials serve as a primary driver for the design and construction process.