Combining conventional and innovative construction materials, products and techniques for sustainable and beautiful buildings

The transition to a more sustainable[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] built environment[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] has led to the development of innovative constructions materials, products and techniques supporting the decarbonisation, climate resilience, circularity[[See definition of ‘Circular economy’ in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]], durability or adaptability of buildings and the built environment, such as bio-based[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and circular building materials, 3D-printed building elements or the redevelopment and/or adaptation of vernacular and traditional construction materials, products and techniques. These are often conceived as alternatives to conventional construction materials, products and techniques such as concrete, steel, or on-site construction, and efforts are not always made to combine the two. Yet, hybrid building solutions hold potential to improve the sustainability, performances and architectural quality – including beauty[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] – of the built environment. Similarly, combining traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art techniques and modern technology can improve the performance, durability, resilience, or sustainability of new buildings and renovation projects. This topic thus seeks to develop innovative hybrid solutions that combine conventional materials, products and/or techniques with innovative ones and hold significant advantages for the construction sector.

Proposals are expected to address all of the following:

• Develop at least one replicable and scalable hybrid building solution that combines innovative and conventional construction materials, products and/or techniques that:
  • Is applicable to new construction and renovation projects;
  • Offers potential to optimise the construction or renovation process in terms of time, cost and/or resources used;
  • Complies with relevant regulatory requirements, such as safety and security ones, (e.g. structural and fire safety etc.) and standards;
  • Incorporates circularity principles.
• Validate the proposed solution and assess the extent to which it supports and/or improves the sustainability, performances, durability, resilience and architectural quality – including beauty[[See definition of "beautiful” in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] – of buildings, by using relevant indicators.
• If relevant, explore the compatibility and interaction of the different types of materials or products in terms of their long-term performance (e.g. moisture management, adhesion, degradation, etc.).

Proposals are expected to follow a participatory[[See definition of “participatory process” in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] and transdisciplinary approach[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] through the integration of different actors and disciplines and to co-create[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] the solution(s) with the relevant public and private stakeholders of the construction ecosystem.

This topic requires the effective contribution of social sciences and humanities (SSH)[[See definition in the Glossary section of the NEB part of the HE WP26-27.]] disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

Proposals are expected to allocate at least 0.8% of their budget for engaging with the Horizon Europe-funded 'New European Bauhaus hub for results and impact' to share their intermediate and final results, findings and learning, as well as to contribute to impact assessment.