GP Groot and StoneCycling Introduce Tailor-made Brick from Demolition Waste

If the Netherlands wants to be fully circular and CO2 neutral by 2050, companies in the construction sector must already start working closely together to make the reuse of materials even more possible.

Leading by example, GP Groot and StoneCycling introduce a new facing brick made from ground sanitary ware, roof tiles and used facing bricks.

Together with GP Groot, we are involved in an extensive demolition and renovation project in Amsterdam on behalf of the Eigen Haard housing corporation. The corporation, together with DOOR Architecten, has developed a progressive plan for this project.

GP Groot and StoneCycling Introduce Tailor-made Brick from Demolition Waste || StoneCycling
Credit: Erik Boschman

Waste = Raw Material

The core of the plan is that part of the material that is released during the demolition of the buildings on Kramatweg and Akbarstraat in Amsterdam will be reused in new construction on Fridtjof Nansenhof.

“And that is where the idea and initiative for this unique project originated,” says Ronald Balvers, director of GP Groot recycling.

“At GP Groot we see waste as a raw material. It is our mission to make material flows released from circular demolition work suitable for reuse or to process them into raw materials for new products. We do this together with our subsidiaries within the GP Groot Groep, but also with external partners, such as StoneCycling. This way, we keep the demolition and new construction costs manageable and CO2 emissions are greatly reduced. In addition, we are also expanding the arsenal of products that arise from upcycling.”

GP Groot and StoneCycling Introduce Tailor-made Brick from Demolition Waste || StoneCycling
GP Groot and StoneCycling Introduce Tailor-made Brick from Demolition Waste || StoneCycling

"We are going from circular demolition to endless reuse, with the result that we no longer need raw materials." - RONALD BALVERS, GP GROOT

From circular demolition to endless reuse

As you can read on our ‘frequently asked questions‘ page, we select all of the recycled raw materials we use in our products ourselves. For this new project, however, things are different and a new product is created based on the available materials and wishes of Eigen Haard and the architect.

This requires a different approach not just from us, but also from the architect and the client. Especially since we cannot predict the result of the products in advance. This is a unique situation for us.

Also the partnership between us and GP Groot is a first for us. Together we look at which material can be used, then GP Groot will demolish the building in a circular manner and reprocess the rubble into raw material that is of excellent quality. We turn this into a product that meets all industry requirements and wishes of the client.

What we love about this project is the fact that what is being demolished will be used again on the same spot. This makes the story of the new buildings very special. We see this project as a learning experience and we are curious about the opportunities this offers for other projects and product developments.