Grant for the circular and adaptive materials hub in M4H

The circular and adaptive materials hub in Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) has been awarded a grant by the Province of South Holland. The grant supports the ongoing development of a shared initiative by BLOC bv, GROUP A architects, Keilekwartier Gebiedscoöperatie, PlaceBased&co, Buurman Rotterdam, and the Municipality of Rotterdam, focused on advancing circular area development in M4H.

With this support, the partners will further develop an adaptive and flexible materials and raw materials depot. The project explores new business models, organizational structures, and forms of collaboration that respond to the specific conditions of M4H, where spaces are often available on a temporary basis. Flexibility is therefore a central design principle: the hub is conceived to adapt to changing locations, temporary land use, and a fluctuating supply of materials, while supporting the circular ambitions of future tenders and developments.

The materials hub plays a key role in the circular transformation of M4H. Materials already present in the area are retained and reused locally, reducing waste and emissions. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs, makers, knowledge partners, and the Municipality of Rotterdam is essential to strengthening the local manufacturing ecosystem and lowering CO₂ emissions in the construction sector.

In the coming period, the initiative will move into a phase of concrete exploration and initial physical implementation, starting at ‘De Start’ on Keilezijweg in M4H. This location will function as a meeting point for materials, makers, and society, and as a testing ground for a scalable model that can be applied in M4H, Rotterdam, and beyond.

Folkert van Hagen (chairman Keile Gebiedscorporatie), Sophie Duran (Advisor for Circular and Social Construction, Municipality of Rotterdam), Lisette Groen (program manager M4H, Municipality of Rotterdam), Deputy Meindert Stolk (Province of Zuid-Holland), Ruben Lentz (partner, BLOC), Ab Hoogesteger (Municipality of Rotterdam).