We seek to join a consortium for HORIZON-NEB-2026-01-REGEN-01

Hasselt University's Faculty of Architecture and Arts (ARK) offers a distinctive combination of expertise in bioclimatic and vernacular design oriented to energy and comfort sufficiency, interior architecture and participatory research. Building on existing research on bioclimatic, nature-based. and vernacular design support for sufficiency-oriented living practices, we explore how vernacular, culturally diverse and climate-conscious comfort practices can inspire contemporary adaptable interior solutions for both winter and summer. Our focus is on creating comfortable and delightful microclimates within occupied spaces rather than conditioning entire buildings, thereby reducing energy dependency and increasing resilience to energy scarcity and extreme temperatures.

Our methodological approach combines research by design, participatory action research, co-design, prototyping, mock-ups, Live Projects and real-life testing. We can contribute to translating vernacular knowledge into contemporary interior design solutions through co-design, prototyping and real-life testing, supported by our expertise in qualitative and quantitative thermal comfort and building performance assessment.

Existing design and assessment tools: Our research is supported by several developed methods and tools, including the ComfortTool for assessing residents' perceived indoor environmental comfort, a sufficiency-oriented spatial design method focusing on zoning, flexible spaces and resident-oriented renovation, and research-based design approaches for sufficiency-oriented heating practices, including thermal comfort archetypes. Together, these provide a basis for developing and testing adaptable, low-energy thermal comfort solutions.

Potential demonstration site: De Pastorie in Helchteren, Belgium, a 19th-century heritage building being transformed into a community space. Building on previous research and Live Projects, UHasselt can explore its use as a real-life demonstration site for adaptable interior comfort solutions.

Networks and dissemination: ARK maintains extensive collaborations with architects, contractors, construction companies, professional and sector organisations, public authorities and civil society, enabling targeted dissemination and knowledge transfer across the construction sector. Our platforms Building Beyond Borders (https://www.buildingbeyondborders.be/) and De Andere Markt (https://deanderemarkt.be/), together with our previous collaboration with VAKlab/Bokrijk, connect international design expertise, participatory research, heritage knowledge and traditional craftsmanship.

Track record: ARK has extensive experience in coordinating large-scale national and European research projects, including VLAIO Living Lab Leemsteen, MSCA-DN REWORLDING and DUT-LISTEN. These demonstrate our capacity to lead transdisciplinary research, engage diverse stakeholders and translate research into practical applications.

We are seeking to join an existing consortium, potentially taking responsibility for a work package combining design development, participatory research, prototyping and real-life demonstration.