SLATE

In the global race to net-zero carbon emissions and the European transition to a circular economy, decarbonisation and circularity in the built environment is essential. One of the most difficult challenges has been replacing the structural slab in mid- and high-rise buildings—traditionally made of carbon-intensive steel and concrete.  

SLATE (for SLAb made of Timber and Earth) offers a compelling solution: a horizontal structural element made from geo-, bio-, and urban-sourced materials, including excavated earth, timber, and inert construction and demolition waste. SLATE is also designed for disassembly at the end-of-life.

By combining and/or prefabricating these resources into a building element, SLATE delivers structural strength and mass—key for achieving acoustics, fire resistance, and thermal inertia — while drastically reducing the carbon footprint and boosting circular economy. Developed and prototyped in Brussels, SLATE is local, healthy, affordable and scalable. It shows how natural and waste-based materials can meet modern building standards and help transform the construction industry.

SLATE is a 2-year research project funded by Innoviris Circular Innovation Programme, where feasibility study includes prototyping, demonstration and at least 1 pilot implementation in a conventional construction project.