A (not so)
personal
diary

Last week, we shared the exciting news that CIRCAE Medical Clinic had been shortlisted for the ECIA Awards 2026 in the Commercial category. Today, we’re delighted to share another milestone: MATERIATEK has been selected as one of three finalists in the Commercial Space category. This recognition is particularly meaningful to us. MATERIATEK is more than a workplace. The project transformed a former industrial building in Brussels into a space for our own practice, while creating a wider platform for exchange, experimentation and shared discovery. Bringing together a curated materials library, coworking spaces and a programme of events, the project explores how a workplace can become a living environment for creativity and collaboration. The design builds on the character of the existing century-old industrial building, combining its raw materiality with new spatial interventions. Reused furniture and tiles, recycled wood cladding and collaborations with local makers and designers further support an approach rooted in circularity and conscious material choices. To have two NCBHAM projects recognised by the ECIA Awards jury is an honour for our entire team. We’re looking forward to the Awards ceremony in Warsaw on 18 September, where the winners will be announced. A special thank you to the team behind Materiatek: Alexandra Pustianu Mauro Brigham Silvia Preto Alicia Saen Beatriz Amann Izabela Pietrzak Marc Martinez Wil Nguyen And to all the partners and collaborators who contributed to bringing this project to life. We’re excited for what’s ahead. #Ncbham #Materiatek #CIRCAE #ECIAAwards #InteriorArchitecture #CommercialSpace #InteriorDesign #CircularDesign #Brussels

We’re pleased to share that Circae Polyclinique has been shortlisted for the ECIA Awards 2026 in the Commercial category. Located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, the 250 m² multidisciplinary medical centre was developed around a simple ambition: to create an environment for care that feels both functional and welcoming. Working within an existing casco space, with low ceilings, limited natural light and a defined budget, the project called for a precise approach to space planning, materials and technical coordination. The layout is organised around a central visitor area and reception, with consultation rooms positioned according to their relationship with natural light and views. Textured glass partitions soften the transition between spaces, introducing changing silhouettes, filtered views and movement throughout the clinic. Materiality remains deliberately restrained. Raw existing surfaces provide a neutral backdrop, while colour and light become active elements of the design, carefully calibrated to support different atmospheres of calm, focus, energy and reassurance. For us, Circae is an example of how thoughtful spatial design can respond to complex constraints while creating an environment that puts people at its centre. A big congratulations to the project team at ncbham: Alicia Saen, Alexandra Pustianu and Nina Korkach, and to all our partners who contributed to the project. Thank you to the ECIA Awards for this recognition.

Materiatek longlisted for the Architectura Awards 2026 We’re pleased to share that Architectura Awards has longlisted our project Materiatek in the Interior category. Conceived as a space for exploration and dialogue around materials, the project brings together a curated material library and a coworking environment - where architects, professionals, and students can engage directly with the physicality of construction. Rather than treating materials as samples on display, the design frames them as active elements within the spatial experience. Structure, furniture, and finishes are approached as one continuous system, allowing the visitor to read the space through its material logic. Being longlisted in the Architectura Awards acknowledges this ongoing research into how spaces can communicate knowledge through their own making. We would like to thank all collaborators and partners involved in bringing Materiatek to life!