BlueCity, a former tropical water park in Rotterdam, has been transformed into a pioneering circular business hub that exemplifies sustainable reuse and innovation. The project is repurposing materials from the original building and local demolition sites.

It can be challenging to safely repurpose materials while meeting fire safety and construction standards, such as the inability to reuse timber for fire-rated walls. Limited on-site storage for salvaged materials posed logistical challenges during construction. Attracting investors required overcoming skepticism about the unconventional circular approach and convincing them of the project’s long-term environmental and social benefits.

This project’s commitment to rely primarily on reused materials presented different challenges, requiring the architect studio Superuse to adopt a flexible, adaptive construction process rather than following traditional blueprints. 

Materials from the original water park and nearby demolition projects were salvaged and integrated into the building. For example, concrete blocks from the original structure were repurposed into partition walls. A circular office wing was constructed using 90% reclaimed materials, including salvaged hospital windows and balustrades from a decommissioned oil platform. In parallel, designs were adjusted to align with the shape and condition of the reclaimed materials, such as the angled windows in the office wing. The project team conducted detailed research to identify reusable materials within the building and sourced additional materials locally.

In addition, solar panels were installed to power BlueCity’s lab. BlueCity became a hub for circular startups, where businesses link residual flows to create a closed-loop system. The space hosts workshops, events, and educational programs in partnership with Hogeschool Rotterdam, empowering the community to adopt sustainable practices.

The project achieved a very high level of material reuse (90%). Overall, efforts reduced CO2 emissions by 68% (112,000 kg) compared to standard office renovations. It also created a space for over 30 startups committed to sustainable practices. By applying circular economy principles, BlueCity demonstrates how existing structures can be adapted into vibrant ecosystems that reduce waste, emissions, and reliance on virgin resources.