VLAIO Living Labs SplitKit

This project builds directly on the ongoing VLAIO Living Lab impaC3t, which is developing the Circular Construction Ambition Guide for local authorities, social housing associations and project developers (under development, completion end of 2025). Of the seven strategies identified in this ambition indicator (such as avoiding demolition and intensifying the use of existing infrastructure), one emerged as a priority: avoid new construction by maximising the use of existing buildings. Experience with the Living Lab impaC3t has also shown that this strategy can be realised without major new investments: the necessary resources are already in place. Renovation companies, construction companies and advisory bodies are present; what is needed is to review their business and working methods and align them with changing policy ambitions.
This priority is the direct reason for this project proposal, SplitKit, which focuses on splitting up under-occupied houses to create additional residential units. Where impaC3t ends with a policy and strategic ambition indicator, this project goes a step further: it develops a practical toolkit with technical, economic and policy tools that local authorities, construction companies and residents can use immediately. It makes the results of impaC3t concrete, usable and scalable.