Trappenhuis Zonnepoort
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The project
The stairwell of Zonnepoort in Ghent is a showcase of sustainable and innovative construction. As part of the URBCON project, it aims to reduce the environmental impact of concrete structures by replacing traditional raw materials with ecological alternatives.
The project uses a hybrid concrete mix composed of conventional concrete and geopolymer concrete (AAM – Alkali-Activated Materials). In this process, half of the cement is replaced by by-products from the metal industry. These materials are ground into a fine powder and activated with alkalis, resulting in concrete with equivalent structural properties but up to 70% lower CO₂ emissions.
The stairwell portico is constructed entirely from geopolymer concrete, positioning the project as a frontrunner in circular and environmentally responsible building practices.
Client
Stad Gent
Architect
Mouton
Engineering firm
BACK Architecten
Location
Gent
The works
As main contractor, Furnibo is responsible for the realisation of the stairwell, implementing a pioneering concrete solution that is both technically advanced and environmentally responsible.
The staircase is constructed using a hybrid concrete mix, with processing and installation methods that differ only minimally from those of traditional concrete structures. The portico, executed entirely in geopolymer concrete, is expertly installed without compromising on finishing quality or durability.
Delivered in collaboration with ResourceFull, this project demonstrates that sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete can be seamlessly integrated into modern construction projects—without sacrificing technical performance or architectural quality.
k euros
start of construction
