InCUBE partners gathered in Groningen, NL, for a three-day General Assembly focused on sharing progress, strengthening collaboration, and exploring new innovations in sustainable building renovation. This in-person gathering provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, discuss ongoing work, and witness innovative solutions firsthand.
The meeting began with internal work package progress meetings in the historic Café de Sleutel, setting the stage for discussions on digital advancements, renovation progress, and product development. Partners shared updates on their work, leading to valuable exchanges of ideas and new insights into improving processes. Being together in person sparked engaging conversations that went beyond presentations, allowing for deeper collaboration and creative problem-solving.
To wrap up the day, the team explored the charming city of Groningen before heading to WEEVA for a traditional Dutch dinner. Conversations continued over local dishes such as mustard soup and stamppot, a mashed potato-based dish that’s much beloved by Netherlanders (although, perhaps less so by the visiting parties).
The second day focused on practical applications and engagement through a public conference with local industry stakeholders, including Heijmans, Envitron, Provincie Drenthe, and Enexis. The workshops were designed to share InCUBE’s research and innovations beyond the project’s core team, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Sessions covered key topics such as the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the Groningen demo site, the use of pre-fabricated facades in Zaragoza, and strategies for social inclusion in the construction industry. These discussions offered fresh perspectives and sparked productive debates on how to implement these technologies and strategies effectively.
The day concluded with networking drinks at Flonk Hotels Groningen Zuid. A matchmaking activity encouraged attendees to connect based on shared interests, making introductions fun and interactive. The fastest pairs to find each other even received small prizes!
The final day took us out of the meeting room and onto the construction site of the Heemskerck flat, where Van Wijnen is applying innovative renovation techniques. Seeing the installation of pre-fabricated facades from WEBO in action was a highlight, providing tangible insights into how these solutions can streamline renovation projects.
Other stops included the Portisa showroom, where partners explored prefabricated bathroom solutions, and a demonstration of an AI-powered waste sorting system capable of identifying material composition to improve recycling efficiency. Attendees also learned about new strategies for expanding floor space without additional foundational work and learned more about the demolition and drilling robots used for this demo site, discussing both their potential and their current limitations.
We look forward to seeing each other again this year in Zaragoza, Spain, to discuss the latest developments and groundbreaking achievements!
Stay informed! keep up with
the latest news and events
HORIZON-CL5-2021-D4-01
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
Grant agreement no. 101069610
This project is funded by the European Union under grant agreement no. 101069610. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
