SplitKit
How can we make better use of the existing housing stock and make it more energy-efficient? SplitKit combines the subdivision of underutilized homes with energy-efficient renovations and circular construction techniques. The project is developing a practical toolkit with technical, economic, and policy-based guidance for local governments, construction companies, and residents. In this way, SplitKit helps create additional housing units, accelerate the wave of renovations, and reduce material use in the construction sector.
Project supported by the Flemish Government’s Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, under the AIO Living Labs Circular Economy program
Linking Energy Renovation and Spatial Sufficiency
This project builds directly on the completed VLAIO Living LabimpaC3t, which developed the Circular Construction Ambition Guide for local governments, social housing agencies, and project developers. Of the seven strategies identified in this guide (such as avoiding demolition and intensifying the use of existing infrastructure), one emerged as a priority: avoid new construction by making maximum use of existing buildings. Experience with theimpaC3tLiving Lab has also shown that this strategy can be implemented without major new investments: the necessary resources are already in place. Renovation companies, construction firms, and consulting agencies are already in place; what is needed is to review their business models and working methods and align them with changing policy ambitions.
This priority is the direct impetus for the SplitKit, which focuses on subdividing underutilized homes to create additional housing units. WhereimpaC3tconcludes with a policy and strategic roadmap, this project goes a step further: it develops a practical toolkit with technical, economic, and policy guidelines that local governments, construction companies, and residents can implement immediately. It makes the outcomes ofimpaC3tconcrete, usable, and scalable.
