A prefabricated building made of wood and straw
A first in Wallonia: the use of bio-based materials has enabled the construction of a school building with a negative carbon footprint. An exemplary approach, supported by the teaching team at Notre Dame du Bon Secours.
The building was built under a general contracting project by Eiffage Benelux subsidiary De Graeve, specialist in passive construction. It was designed by Atelier d'Architecture et d'Ingénierie Alter.
Handed over in November 2017, this highly technical project required specific know-how, while taking advantage of the rational use of each material (short supply chain, easily dismantled, recyclable and no volatile organic compounds).
The project won the 100% bio-based low-carbon construction award for Belgium at the 2018 Green Solutions Awards (Construction21 association).
Combination of three bio-based materials
The posts, beams and cross-members of the solid timber framework were made in the workshop and then assembled on site, limiting the duration and disruption caused by the work.
Contrary to popular belief, wood offers good fire resistance – without releasing toxic products – great strength and longevity.
The floors, external walls and roof blocks were created by Paille-Tech (photo opposite). These prefabricated building modules focus on thermal insulation and airtightness, with high performance criteria.
Up to 30 cm thick, the façades are made of straw bales, providing remarkable acoustic insulation.
The straw was then covered with a clay plaster, which offers excellent humidity and heat regulation properties. Cork was used as roof insulation.
