Concrete grafting in practice: lessons from Rotterdam and Utrecht
Concrete transplantation offers a circular and sustainable solution for the construction industry. By reusing existing concrete elements, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and waste. But how does concrete transplantation work in practice? Meijs Engineers & Implementation has already successfully applied this technique in several projects. Below we present two inspiring examples: an iconic project in Rotterdam and a sustainable remodelling in Utrecht.
Blue City, Rotterdam: sustainability in a former swimming pool
In Rotterdam, the former Tropicana swimming pool, now called Blue City, has been given a second life as a sustainability centre. Meijs Ingenieurs & Uitvoering played a crucial role in the transformation of this building, by transplanting the original concrete walls with concrete.
How did the process work? During the demolition of the old swimming pool, the concrete walls were carefully removed, cut to size and reinstalled in the new structure. This project demonstrates the power of concrete transplantation: existing materials are reused, reducing both the carbon footprint and project costs.
The result: the transplanted concrete walls not only gave Blue City a robust appearance, but also added a story to the building. Architects and clients were delighted with the sustainability and uniqueness that the concrete transplant gave the building. Thanks to this approach, Blue City became a symbol of circular construction in the Netherlands.
Overvecht, Utrecht: a neighbourhood in transition with an eye on the circular economy
In the Overvecht district of Utrecht, several old residential buildings were demolished to make way for sustainable, circular housing complexes. Meijs Ingenieurs & Uitvoering investigated which materials from the old flats could be reused. This led to a number of innovative applications of concrete transplantation.
Concrete transplantation in practice: concrete façade elements from demolished flats were reused as cladding in central halls, flower boxes on the façades and even as new façade elements in the remodelled buildings.
The advantages: This reuse of concrete elements reduced the need for new materials and therefore CO₂ emissions. In addition, this approach proved to be financially advantageous, a benefit that is sometimes overlooked in sustainable construction projects. The Overvecht project has proven that sustainable construction does not necessarily have to be expensive.
Why concrete transplantation has a sustainable future
These practical examples show how concrete transplantation works as a circular solution and why it is such a promising technique. In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, concrete transplantation also contributes to the aesthetics and character of new buildings. By reusing existing concrete elements, new buildings are given a unique look, often with a historical story that would otherwise be lost.
At Meijs Engineers & Execution, we continue to work on the development and application of concrete transplantation. Whether it concerns the reuse of façade elements, floors or other concrete parts, we help construction companies and property developers to build circularly and realise their sustainable ambitions.
Would you like to know more about how concrete finishing can strengthen your project? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation or download our knowledge document via the website. Together we will take steps towards a circular future in construction.
