Baubüro in situ / Zirkular (CH) — new location

“Catch of the day” – Building with the existing

– reflection by BC architects

In 1998 Barbara Buser, together with Eric Honegger, founded the architectural office baubüro mitte - later renamed baubüro in situ. Today, 60 people work at their offices in Basel and Zurich. Baüburo in situ starts from the reuse and transformation of existing elements. Out of respect for the beauty of what is there, they are committed to the reuse of elements that are already in circulation. “Designing with 'rescued' building materials does not impose any limits on creativity,” says Buser.

Baüburo in situ’s efforts range from the circular use of materials to the reuse of historic buildings. Building on their history, existing buildings are carefully adapted to current and future use. Baüburo in situ integrates the fact of constant change and transformation into the architectural program, for example by designing modular units.

Born out of baubüro in situ, Zirkular was founded in the autumn of 2020. In line with the vision of the architectural firm, Zirkular supports projects in the development and implementation of the circular construction process, in both new construction and renovation. Zirkular puts the circular vision in practice, on the one hand by searching and purchasing suitable existing components and materials via a digital platform. On the other hand, they develop detailed solutions according to the principle 'design for disassembly'. This is a design method taking into account future disassembly and the reuse of as many components as possible. They also guide clients and developers in drawing up an adapted construction process.

In this lecture, they explain their design method by means of realised projects and show how 'circular building' can be taken to a higher level.

Reflection by BC architects | BC architects is a Brussels-based architecture and engineering firm specialized in loam building and circularity in construction. BC architects converts earth from city construction sites into circular, healthy, local and CO2-neutral building materials, such as loam bricks, clay plasters and rammed earth. They also offer advice, workshops and vocational training.