About this project
Organisation
Buurman Antwerpen
Work agendas
Organisations
The circular construction market
The place in Antwerp for reused materials and urban wood? That has to be Buurman, the circular building materials marketplace where used construction materials from the region are collected, processed, and offered.
In February 2021, Buurman Antwerp opened its doors. The project has grown into the go-to spot in Antwerp where residents, businesses, and organizations turn for reclaimed building materials and urban wood. The materials come from construction and demolition projects, exhibitions, festivals, businesses, and private individuals. All sourced from the Antwerp region, each piece is either recycled or part of residual streams from local manufacturers.
Buurman collects, processes, and sells. Individuals can drop off their dismantled materials at the base on Slachthuislaan, but Buurman also handles dismantling itself and collaborates with demolition contractors. With a weekly supply of materials, there’s always a changing selection of unique items, each with its own story. Everything is documented on the website.
What makes Buurman truly unique is the combination of the circular building materials marketplace with an educational woodworking workshop. Individuals and businesses can take part in workshops, courses, and teambuilding activities to work with reclaimed wood—creating everything from soapbox cars to Rietveld chairs, from coffee tables to storage chests. This not only saves wood from the waste stream but also raises awareness about reuse and sustainability.
