A new university building is currently under construction on the campus of BUILDERS, with completion scheduled for 2027/2028. The project is partly funded by the Normandy Region and CCCABTP, reflecting a strong regional commitment to sustainable development. In line with this, the building will incorporate both recycled and circular materials, supporting a more resource-efficient construction process. This initiative aims to serve as a model for integrating environmental responsibility into academic infrastructure projects.
A Building Information Management (BIM) approach is being applied throughout the design and construction phases of the building. Material passports for both new and recycled materials will be connected to the BIM system, ensuring traceability and supporting future maintenance or reuse. Additionally, the building will be equipped with sensors to monitor its performance and the condition of its materials over time. The collected data will feed directly into the BIM application, enabling continuous evaluation and optimization of the building’s operation and environmental impact.
Images © BUILDIERS
BUILDERS with its curriculum programme ‘engineers for the construction sector’ offers expertise in “Expert in SMART Construction", "Expert in Eco-Materials and BIM Design" and "Expert in Maritime and Port Works" and "BIM Project Design". The BUILDERS research lab is specialized in building eco-materials based on recycled resources (natural ibres, recycled aggregates, shells, earth, etc.) that meet specific technical specifications. The laboratory has an extensive expertise in the design, development and characterisation of eco-materials for construction, with a specific focus on the sustainability of materials in their environments, applied and tested in marine applications and the specific conditions of the sea. We have already carried out many projects related to the analysis of biodiversity in the marine environment, in connection with the composition of materials, that will be brought to this project and its application in urban environments.
BUILDERS acts as the regional pilot coordinator for Caen Municipality, and develops a methodological and technical design of a Living Lab. Based on a real project on building extension, the pilot aims to experiment with innovative building methods & materials, and to monitor environmental impacts during construction & exploitation phases.