By 2030, due to scaling up and farming intensification, there will be approximately 4,200,000 m² of empty agricultural buildings in the Province of Noord-Brabant. To repurpose the areas they occupy, many of these buildings will face demolition. The materials that would otherwise be lost in the process should be reused.

Together with a farm currently facing this transition, we conducted a pilot project focusing on wood sourced from the building’s construction elements. The wood could not be reused in its original condition because it was saturated with ammonia and had a strong, pungent odour from pig manure.

Together with circular partners, we found potential in the thermal treatment of the wood. During this process, no chemicals are used, resulting in a product that can be applied outdoors as maintenance-free cladding. Its strength, durability and appearance are improved, and the technology already exists and is being applied.

Using all the reclaimed material, we proposed cladding a new group accommodation complex with a swimming pool, creating a new function for the farm.