C2C LAB, Berlin - the first Cradle to Cradle refurbishment project - documented with the Building Material Scout
The C2C LAB in Berlin is the first refurbishment project worldwide to be realized according to Cradle to Cradle design principles.
On 400m2, the C2C school of thought and design concept can be experienced in terms of content and practice as an educational center, NGO head office and real laboratory. A commercial space in need of refurbishment in a centrally located East Berlin prefabricated building was selected for this purpose. Where reinforced concrete from the GDR meets innovation, something new is created – without future building rubble.
All health-compatible and recyclable products were documented with the Building Material Scout with regard to material-related sustainability information.
The Building Material Scout offers the possibility to find, evaluate and document suitable products. This means that project teams know at all times which products are planned, approved and installed. At the end, the client receives complete product documentation. At the same time, product inquiries are forwarded to the manufacturers, who can classify their product in terms of sustainability requirements using a simple evaluation procedure.
Are you a product manufacturer? Get your manufacturer access here.
When selecting the products, particular emphasis was placed on material health, residue-free dismantling, separability by type, as well as indoor health and the indoor climate. The required information was provided in the Building Material Scout for architects, planners, construction companies and building owners simply and at a glance.
The go-ahead for the C2C LAB was given in 2018 when the rental agreement was signed. During the renovation phase, the structure of the rooms was redesigned. As part of the new open office space concept, for example, walls were replaced with glazed partition systems in accordance with C2C criteria.
As the C2C principle was applied to the entire refurbishment, the material-ecological requirements for the building products were specified. This was done on a “banned list” containing chemicals that were not allowed to be present in any of the products used. This ensured the health of the material in all phases of renovation and use.
Visit the C2C Lab and experience the products used at first hand.
Cradle to Cradle NGO
Federal office
Landsberger Allee 99c
10407 Berlin
Website: www.c2c.ngo
Cradle to cradle describes the principle of two continuous cycles (circular economy):
“Consumer goods are biodegradable and return to the natural nutrient cycle. After use, consumer goods are broken down into pure source materials and fed into a technical cycle. Their material quality is retained and downcycling with loss of quality is avoided. All ingredients are chemically harmless and recyclable. There is no more waste in the modern sense, only usable nutrients.”
Special products / material concept:
See examples of the products used and the effect they have:
Ceiling systems
The metal ceiling system is from Lindner and consists of galvanized sheet steel with a polyester powder coating. The various ceiling elements were all mounted on a rail system so that they could be easily replaced or dismantled. The manufacturer guarantees that all dismantled slats will be recycled.
Life Stereo 125 glass partition
LMD-DS ceiling canopy
LMD-L slatted ceiling
The Troldtekt acoustic panels on the ceilings and walls are made of cement and spruce wood. These are screwed together. The high cement content binds some of the acids produced during composting. The wood serves to loosen the compost and leads to better oxygen penetration. In this way, the acoustic panels are turned into high-quality compost without any harmful substances.
Wall system
The partition wall systems are from the manufacturers Lindner and Strähle. The systems are C2C certified. The partition wall systems are wedged into a pre-assembled rail and can therefore be used flexibly. The partition walls also act as a material bank, as they are available again after use.
Windows
Window systems from Schüco with glass from AGC Interpane: The aluminum window frames were screwed together instead of glued in with construction foam, thus ensuring waste-free dismantling. Window systems become a material depot.
Floor coverings
A solvent-free linoleum floor from Tarkett was laid in the kitchen; the linoleum consists of linseed oil, wood and cork flour and various resins. As it is made exclusively from natural ingredients, it has naturally antibacterial and hygienic properties. It is also resistant to liquids. The carpet in Desso’s offices actively binds fine dust. These were laid as non-glued tiles and can therefore be replaced at any time. The carpet tiles are largely made from recycled fishing nets. The manufacturer takes the carpet back after use and recycles it into new tiles.
In the showroom/event venue, a healthy parquet floor from Tarkett was laid as a floating floor, making it easy to dismantle. The manufacturer also takes the floor back after use. The entire area was designed to be barrier-free.
Sanitary facilities
Clay plaster was used in the sanitary facilities, which regulates moisture and absorbs pollutants, and PVC-free pipes were also used. The tiles are made of ceramic and are from the Mosa company. These do not release any VOCs, are predominantly made from regional raw materials and are C2C certified. Together with the clay plaster, they can be fully processed.
Terra Greys Collection
Murals Line Collection
Murals Fuse Collection
Sanitary fittings
Grohe taps are certified as material-healthy in accordance with C2C.
Furnishing
Chairs: the office chairs are from the manufacturer Flokk (Giroflex) and are taken back by them after the agreed term, sorted by type and processed further. The resources thus remain in a closed technical cycle
Lighting
Daylight lamp: the C2C-certified floor lamps from Waldmann adapt to the time of day and brightness of the surroundings and provide biodynamic light.
Plant forest
Plant wall: the plant wall from cp is installed with an integrated water system. It humidifies and purifies the air and binds fine dust. This ensures a positive indoor climate.