In today’s exploration of sustainable materials, we delve into clay and its remarkable potential to transform the construction sector. Our partner, BC Materials, has pioneered earth construction, championing its use as a sustainable, circular, and healthy alternative to conventional building materials. As fellow Brussels-based innovators, we’re thrilled to share not only a city but also a vision for the future of sustainable building. Soon, we’ll even share a workspace at the StadsAtelier, an upcoming flagship project in the city, and we couldn’t be more excited!
The Mission: Reinventing the Construction Sector
BC Materials, founded in 2018 as a workers’ cooperative, is the brainchild of Ken De Cooman, Nicolas Coeckelberghs, Laurens Bekemans, and Wes Degreef. Its goal is to replace standard building materials with earth-based solutions that counter the construction sector’s immense environmental footprint.
Construction is responsible for over 40% of Europe’s CO₂ emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. BC Materials tackles this challenge by upcycling urban mineral waste into circular building materials, such as excavated earth from construction sites. These include:
Rammed earth structures
Compressed earth blocks (CEB)
Earth plasters & paintings
BC Materials uses unfired earth to ensure its products remain carbon neutral, require no energy-intensive transformation, and can be reused infinitely without losing quality.
The Circular Magic of Clay
So why build with earth? BC Materials highlights several compelling reasons:
Carbon Neutrality Unlike cement or bricks, earth doesn’t need to be fired, eliminating fossil fuel consumption. It’s also sourced locally, minimising transport emissions.
Circular Economy Earth doesn’t change chemically during its transformation, meaning it can be reused repeatedly. Excavated soil—often treated as waste—becomes a resource, closing the loop in construction.
Comfort and Health Clay-based materials improve indoor air quality, regulate humidity, and reduce noise. They retain heat in winter and provide cooling effects in summer, offering unparalleled comfort while being free of VOCs or toxins.
A Legacy of Innovation Earth construction isn’t just ancient—it’s innovative. BC Materials applies the latest scientific research to optimise its materials, blending traditional techniques with modern standards to create high-performance solutions.
Introducing Léém: Earth for All
BC Materials’ flagship product line, Léém, aims to democratise the use of earth in construction. From rammed earth walls to earth plasters, Léém materials are designed to make clay accessible to builders and architects alike. In collaboration with industrial partners like Brickz, Vande Moortel, and Claesen Betonbedrijf, BC Materials is scaling up production to meet the growing demand for these eco-friendly alternatives.
And it’s not just walls—BC Materials has recently introduced a range of earth-based paints, perfect for those wanting to refresh their spaces with a sustainable, natural touch. If you’re planning to repaint your apartment during the holidays, we can’t recommend these enough. Their warm tones and eco-friendly composition make them a delight for both the planet and your walls.
A Shared Vision at StadsAtelier
BC Materials is a Brussels-based initiative deeply rooted in the local community, and we’re proud to share this connection. The upcoming StadsAtelier project will bring our teams closer, creating a collaborative space where sustainability meets innovation. This flagship initiative in the heart of Brussels reflects the city’s commitment to circular construction, and BC Materials is at the forefront of making it a reality.
Rammed Earth: Ancient Technique, Modern Potential
Among BC Materials’ offerings, rammed earth deserves special attention. This ancient construction method, used for millennia, is returning thanks to its simplicity, sustainability, and performance. The process involves compressing layers of earth to form structural elements like walls and floors.
Near-Zero Embodied Energy: Rammed earth structures are made from locally sourced materials, eliminating the need for long transport or energy-intensive processing.
Zero Waste: Any leftover material can be reused directly, ensuring no waste is generated.
Thermal Mass: Rammed earth walls offer excellent thermal performance, reducing energy needs for heating and cooling.
BC Materials’ expertise in rammed earth redefines its use in modern architecture. It proves that ancient methods can meet today’s sustainability challenges.
Building the Future with Clay
BC Materials’ work isn’t just about materials—it’s about rethinking how we build. By turning waste into resources, promoting carbon-neutral solutions, and emphasising circularity, they are helping to create healthier buildings for people and the planet.
Collaborating with BC Materials is a natural fit for us at Natura Mater. Their passion for clay aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable construction, and we can’t wait to see how their innovations shape the StadsAtelier and other landmark projects across Brussels and beyond.
Whether planning a large-scale renovation, designing an eco-home, or simply looking for the perfect earth-based paint for your next project, BC Materials offers the tools and expertise to bring your vision to life—naturally.
photo cred: Farah Fervel