On 25–26 June 2026, Circular Reno partners gathered in Lille, France, for the project’s final Partner Days and closing conference. After three years of collaboration across Europe, the event marked both an ending and a beginning: a moment to reflect on what has been achieved, connect the lessons learned, and look ahead to the next phase of bio-based renovation.
The final conference took place at Chaud Bouillon in Lille, bringing together project partners, practitioners and external experts for a full day of conversations, shared perspectives and site visits. The day opened with welcome words from Philippe Rémignon, Chairman of the Executive Board of Vilogia, and Ian Hutchcroft of Energiesprong Global Alliance.
A record-breaking heatwave did nothing to dampen the energy in the room. If anything, it was a timely reminder of why this work matters: Europe urgently needs homes that are more sustainable, affordable and resilient.
Over the past three years, Circular Reno has shown how bio-based materials can become part of practical renovation solutions. Bringing together 17 partners across Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, the project turned straw, hemp, wood and miscanthus into prefabricated façade and roof systems for deep energy retrofits.
The results show what becomes possible when the full value chain works together. Circular Reno directly renovated 69 social housing units and contributed to more than 1,000 homes benefiting from bio-based solutions across the wider value chain.
At the same time, the project supported the development of regional “field-to-home” value chains, connecting farmers, processors, manufacturers, designers, builders and housing providers.
The closing conference explored these results through three roundtables. Partners reflected on lessons learned across the participating countries, heard from practitioners pushing bio-based solutions forward on the ground, and asked the bigger question for the years ahead: how do we now scale bio-based renovation across Europe?
In the afternoon, participants followed the Circular Reno story from workshop to building site. The first stop was Atelier Bois – Construction in Seclin, where prefabricated timber façade panels with straw insulation are designed and built. The second stop was Vilogia’s pilot renovation in Tourcoing, where those same panels are being installed on an occupied 32-dwelling building from 1956, alongside other bio-based and circular practices.
Together, the visits brought the project’s “field-to-home” vision vividly to life. From local materials and regional value chains to prefabricated components and real homes, the day showed that bio-based prefab renovation is not just a concept for the future. It is real, replicable and already happening now.
To help others build on the project’s experience, Circular Reno has translated three years of real-world insights into free, accessible e-learning courses. Whether you are a farmer, builder, architect, housing provider or policymaker, the MOOCs offer practical knowledge from across the bio-based construction value chain.
Access the Circular Reno MOOC’s here.
Explore the project deliverables on the webpage.
