Partner in the spotlight: Sidati
Wood is by nature an excellent building material for energy-efficient construction. It is therefore used extensively in The Exploded View: Beyond Building. Contractor company Sidati was responsible for building the demo house on the Kamp C site: "As an ecological timber builder, we think it is important to participate in projects like this."
Dismantling and rebuilding
Because The Exploded View is a travelling exhibition, the demo house is regularly relocated. In early 2023, it was still in the Dutch city of Alkmaar. Sidati went there to dismantle it and rebuild it in Westerlo, in collaboration with Dutch construction partner Casper de Haan.
"The demo house is a fully circular project," explains Sidati's business manager David Siebens. "The basic structure can be easily taken apart and reassembled. All parts are filled or lined with circular materials. We checked everything and carefully placed the parts back. Here and there we added new, locally produced materials. In each case, this was done in consultation with Biobased Creations, the designers of the exhibition. We liked the fact that our expertise was appreciated."
"For us, this project is an opportunity to remove the prejudices around biobased and circular building."
- David Siebens
Removing prejudices
As a contractor, Sidati invariably opts for bio-ecological construction. "We always work with natural materials such as wood, straw, paper, cork and hemp. It is a constant but fascinating search for the best approach," says David Siebens. "This project is an opportunity for us to continue our search for ecological materials. At the same time, we also want to help dispel the prejudices surrounding bio-ecological building."
"Many architects and clients stick to traditional building methods because they know them better. Stone is already occasionally replaced by wood, but the rest of the building process remains the same, and that is a pity. After all, there are already many alternatives for bio-based and circular construction. An exhibition like The Exploded View is ideal for building owners and architects to discover new possibilities. Showing good examples is always the best way to convince people."