NuBau – New European Bauhaus for the smart re-use of reinforced concrete
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Abstract
The construction sector is one of the EU’s most resource-intensive industries, responsible for over 35% of total waste generation and concrete accounts for 8% of global CO2. Current linear supply chains perpetuate inefficiencies, with valuable structural materials discarded rather than reintegrated. NuBau responds to this challenge by reversing local construction supply chains transforming waste into opportunity. It charts a path towards systemic change in construction to enable the beautiful re-assembly of reclaimed concrete components through a replicable business model for very low-energy remanufacturing. NuBau transforms CDW into elegant compression structures that embody NEB principles of sustainability, inclusion, and beauty. NuBau Lab will demonstrate this approach, showcasing efficient and aesthetic typologies co-created with communities.
Leveraging advanced material science, digital traceability and adaptive design, NuBau pioneers circularity that significantly reduce embodied CO2 and resource use. NuBau brings together leading universities, design innovators, industry specialists and port cities. QUB and WUST advance structural, materials research and NEB aesthetic research; GXN and Pilbrow embed NEB-aligned design and CO2; Banagher drives industrial remanufacturing; SMCL brings expertise from stone cutting and the structural form of voussoirs; Arup ensures engineering excellence with a global mindset; Polito leads robotic assembly; and the Port of Venice enables demonstrator logistics for remanufacturing. NuBau delivers environmental impact, economic resilience, and cultural value, positioning the EU at the forefront of regenerative construction aligned with the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. NuBau is a manifesto for a regenerative built environment. Through its pioneering remanufacturing processes, visionary design ethos and inclusive governance, NuBau delivers a compelling response to this call.
People involved
- Fabio Carapellese (Principal Investigator)
- Alessandro Rizzo (Responsabile Scientifico di Struttura)
Structures
Partners
- POLITECNICO DI TORINO - AMMINISTRAZIONE CENTRALE
- QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST - Coordinator
Keywords
ERC sectors
Sustainable Development Goals
Budget
| Total cost: | € 3,995,816.33 |
|---|---|
| Total contribution: | € 3,995,816.33 |
| PoliTo total cost: | € 48,150.00 |
| PoliTo contribution: | € 48,150.00 |