the future is circular: UNstudio slashes kyklos building carbon emissions by 80%

the future is circular: UNstudio slashes kyklos building carbon emissions by 80%

beyond net-zero: the future of architecture in luxembourg

 

UNStudio, in collaboration with HYP Architects, has been announced by the Atenor, Arhs group as winners of a design competition for the Kyklos building, the final piece of Luxembourg‘s Belval redevelopment project. This visionary project prioritizes sustainability, pushing boundaries by aiming for the lowest possible carbon footprint through innovative design and material selection. While net-zero operational buildings are a commendable goal, UNStudio recognizes that the majority of a building’s carbon footprint (90%) arises from the materials used, not its operation over the years. This understanding fuels their mission to create buildings with minimal embodied carbon. As the architects say:Only timber is not the answer. UNStudio calculates the lowest carbon footprint for the new Kyklos building in Luxembourg…and the result is hybrid.’

Kyklos UNStudio luxembourg
images © Play-Time Barcelona

 

 

unstudio’s hybrid steel-concrete structure

 

In the design of Luxembourg’s Kyklos Building, the architects at UNStudio and HYP Architects have developed the Carbon Builder tool, empowering designers to analyze and optimize the carbon impact of their projects. This tool played a crucial role in the Kyklos design, leading to an impressive 80% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a standard Luxembourg office building. The building will take shape with a hybrid steel-concrete structure, carefully selected for its superior long-term carbon performance. Using 100% recycled steel and optimized concrete mixtures further minimizes the project’s environmental footprint. This approach translates to a significantly improved embodied carbon footprint compared to a typical Luxembourg office building.

Kyklos UNStudio luxembourg
the final piece of Luxembourg’s Belval development aims for lowest carbon footprint with hybrid design

 

 

a Sustainable Connection: The Kyklos and its Place

 

The Kyklos building in Luxembourg is on track to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications, reflecting UNStudio’s commitment to both environmental and human well-being. This dedication ensures a healthy and sustainable environment for its occupants, aligning perfectly with the values of Belval and its residents.
‘Kyklos,’ meaning ‘circle’ in Greek, embodies its symbolic role as the final loop completing the Place des Bassins design. This central square, featuring two interconnected basins, represents the transformation of the former industrial site into a vibrant urban space. The Kyklos building, with its sustainable design, becomes the third loop, signifying the future of Belval’s development and its commitment to a greener tomorrow.

Kyklos UNStudio luxembourg
UNStudio develops an optimized, hybrid steel-concrete material for lasting impact the future is circular: UNstudio slashes kyklos building carbon emissions by 80%
Kyklos’ carbon footprint will be slashed by 80% compared to standard buildings the future is circular: UNstudio slashes kyklos building carbon emissions by 80%
the project is on track to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum certifications

UNstudio-kyklos-building-belval-luxembourg-designboom-06a

the architecture will set a new standard for urban transformation and sustainability in Luxembourg

 

the team describes its Carbon Developer tool

 

 

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project info:

 

project title: Kyklos Building

architecture: UNStudio | @unstudio_architecture

local architect: HYP Architects | @hyparchitects

location: Belval, Luxembourg

UNStudio team: Ben Van Berkel, Arjan Dingste with Stella Nikolakaki, Bruno Peris Vila and Cristobal Ignacio Burgos Sanhueza, Laura Lopez Iglesias, Regiane Fernandes de Oliveira, Taliia Nurutdinova, Matthias Kooijman

visualizations: © Play-Time Barcelona | @playtime.barcelona

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