Refurbish and Remanufacture
Buildwise Office, Zaventem (BE): Refurbish and Remanufacture
As part of the Good Practices for Circular Planning and Construction outcome, CircleBIM highlights practical projects that show how circular strategies are applied in real planning and construction contexts.

Visualization of the building after renovation. (Buildwise by BOVA-Architects| architectenweb.nl, 2022)
- Client: Buildwise (former WTCB)
- Architect: BOVA-Architects
- Engineer: Bureau d’Etudes Greisch
- Location: Zaventem, Belgium
- Function: Office
- Size: 6,500 m²
- Originally built: 1999
- Completion: 2022
Circular strategy in practice
This project focuses on the circular strategy refurbish and remanufacture, implemented through systematic reuse and renewal of existing building components.
During the renovation, the project team conducted a thorough inventory and assessment of the existing building elements. Using BIM, all relevant data was recorded and shared, enabling the refurbishment of components still in good condition, such as climate ceilings, partition walls, and lighting. Where necessary, components were remanufactured or adapted to meet current standards. This approach minimized waste, extended the service life of materials, and ensured efficient use of resources.
Added circular value
In addition to the main strategy, the project also applies:
- Recycling
The combination of refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling shows how circular strategies can be integrated effectively within office renovation projects.
Why this project matters
This example demonstrates that refurbishment and remanufacturing are highly feasible in office buildings when supported by digital tools and close collaboration between stakeholders. It provides a reference for sustainable, forward-looking, and resource-efficient renovation practices.
This project is one of the analysed cases in the “Good Practices for Circular Planning and Construction” document.