Changing material regime - label & craft

This discussion explores the practical and technical shift toward new building materials. Moderated by architect and professor Jean Souviron (ENSA Paris-Est), the panel investigates how architects and researchers are applying regenerative principles, moving from theory to real-world construction.

This is an insightful exploration of specific case studies on hybrid wall assemblies, bio-based insulation such as lime hemp, and reclaimed materials. The conversation moves beyond simple material substitution to examine hard data from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), the concept of 'local tech' using excavation waste and the process of blurring the lines between design and on-site production.

The panel features three practitioners who embody this change:

Barbara Oelbrandt (KULeuven & BLAF Architecten), who presents detailed research on hybrid wall assemblies and the environmental impact data (LCA) of different materials, including concepts like sequestration and carbonation.
Maria Helena Luís (Estonian Academy of Arts / Kuidas Works), known for her research-based practice, the "local tech" concept, and re-purposing excavation waste.
Romain Deboulle (CRUA Atelier), who shares his experience of designing and building projects from scratch, focusing on material experimentation and blurring the line between design and making.

Together, they explore the technical, data-driven, and hands-on approaches necessary to implement a new, responsible material regime in contemporary architecture.

This round table was recorded during the October School 2025, a four-day intensive event in Brussels dedicated to regenerative architecture. The school brought together 120 students, teachers, and practitioners from five European universities: KU Leuven, UHasselt, RWTH Aachen, the Estonian Academy of Arts, and TU Wien.

Participants were immersed in the theme through lectures, site visits, and three practical workshops focused on bio- and geo-sourced materials.

Co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.