BC Materials & Stadsatelier de Ville
Brussels, Belgium | BC Architects Studies Materials | June 29 - July 10 2026
Material reuse is essential, but it won't be enough. As I learned at June's Preuse conference in Brussels, the demand for building materials will continue to exceed what can realistically be supplied through salvaged materials alone. How can we create a truly regenerative material supply that supports sustainable, non-extractive growth?What does a truly regenerative material supply chain look like?
Social
Knowledge Transmission
Material
Earth & Fiber
Detail
Low-tech meets contemporary material innovation
I spent two weeks exploring that question at the BC Architects & Studies Summer School in Brussels. Through hands-on workshops, we learned how to build with earth and natural fibers—from protecting bio-based buildings from water intrusion to constructing rammed earth walls, earth plaster, hempcrete, and even a straw bale arch.
Material Studies
Each week started with exploratory material studies where we learned about material properties, smell, feeling, and visual characteristics of materials.
Immediately working with our senses set the stage a week of exploration. 
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Analysis
Reflection
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Analysis
Reflection
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Project website
Research Takeaways
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Architects can and should consider where materials are sourced to create good architecture.
Low-tech solutions are worth investing in.
Teaching wide audiences and collaborative making are the future of construction.
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