Labland vzw

Studio16 - circular demo house

The demand for housing is rising, but space is running out. How can we live better with more people? Labland vzw is investigating this on the basis of existing and new housing models.

For example, it recently built Studio16, a prototype house based on the "Circular & Cooperative Open Building System" (COB). COB is a modular construction model for change-oriented living, developed by Labland, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Open Structures studio, Labeur, Wooncoop and the Erasmus University Rotterdam.

The COB building model makes it possible to build low-cost housing that can be adapted by and for residents. In a dwelling built using COB, residents can improve their home according to their changing living needs: a new hobby, separating the kitchen from the living room or opening it up, updating technical equipment, etc. And all that without wasting materials. That is why the partners are investigating how they can combine different principles:
- Internal adaptability: The interior and internal walls are easy to move and replace. This gives the residents more freedom and flexibility and extends the lifespan of the houses.
- Circular: All building elements are reusable and transformable. They are made as much as possible from recycled materials. This extends the life of the building elements, and materials do not lose their value.
- Prefab: By producing the houses in units entirely in workshops and only assembling them on site, the building process is accelerated, quality is increased and the building cost can potentially be reduced.
- Open Source: The working methods and building principles are freely shared. This gives everyone the opportunity to study, adapt, improve, expand and distribute the construction model.
- Cooperative: The houses are cooperatively managed to ensure the sustainable use and circulation of both building elements and residents.
Using the CDE prototype house Studio16, Labland and its partners are investigating how to change homes permanently without damaging the environment.

Studio16 is a mobile 16-square-metre show home that aims to inspire residents, architects and local authorities to build in a circular and cooperative manner, as this leads to more ecological, qualitative and affordable housing. The construction can easily be converted from a living studio for two people to a working studio for ten people for all kinds of activities.

The mobile demo house is finished. Would you like to take a look? Get in touch with Labland!