Reynaers Aluminium contributes to the Belgian Pavilion at the 2025 Biennale Architettura in Venice
Building Biospheres is the exhibition on show in the Belgian pavilion during the 19th edition of the Biennale Architettura in Venice. Initiated by the Flemish government and commissioned by the Flanders Architecture Institute (VAI), the team of landscape architect Bas Smets and neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso presents how the natural intelligence of plants can shape the architecture of tomorrow. Reynaers Aluminium is main partner of the Belgian pavilion and actively collaborated on the design of the integrated planter that is central to the project.
A sensory experience and climate experiment
Visitors entering the pavilion step into a living plant ecosystem. No traditional models or installations, but a lush indoor garden with ferns and standard stems reaching up to the skylight. The smell of potting soil, the palpable coolness, the play of light and air - everything is controlled by the plants themselves.
Sensors collect data in real time on plant behaviour: stem diameter, soil temperature, humidity... This data controls the climate in the room - from ventilation and lighting to irrigation. The result is a biosphere where plants and technology work together to create a natural and sustainable indoor climate.
©Michiel De Cleene
A vision on the future of architecture
The pavilion acts as an experimental environment in which the role of architecture is challenged: no longer merely as protection for humans, but as an active part of a dynamic biosphere in which plants play a crucial role. At a time of accelerating climate change, according to curator of the Biennale Architettura 2025 Carlo Ratti, we need to harness all forms of intelligence - natural, artificial and collective - to find futureproof solutions. Building Biospheres shows how architecture and nature should not be opposites but can simply reinforce each other.
Aluminium as a bridge between nature and technology
As the main partner of the Belgian Pavilion, Reynaers Aluminium actively participated in the implementation of this project. At the request of the design team - which prioritised sleek and slim design, seamless execution, natural materials and flexible connections - our experts went in search of the most suitable aluminium solution.
The choice fell on ConceptWall 50, a slim and versatile curtain wall system with deep clip profiles that offer a lot of creative freedom. Thanks to the simple mechanical connections, fast assembly and disassembly was possible - essential in the context of a temporary installation.
The profiles feature a specific surface treatment in ‘faux brut’, an anodisation finishing type without pre-treatment in which the natural structure of the aluminium remains visible and a natural silver colour is created. In addition, the mirrored surface ensures a seamless transition with the floor, so the design perfectly met the designers' aesthetic and technical requirements.
Surface treatment in 'faux brut'.
At a time of accelerating climate change, we need to harness all forms of intelligence - natural, artificial and collective - to find futureproof solutions.
Detailed design analysis in the Avalon Virtual Reality room
To assess the design in great detail, we used Avalon - our advanced Virtual Reality room. This innovative tool allows us to visualise construction projects at true scale and accurately analyse 3D models, making choices with the entire construction team in one room. The design of the integrated planter was also worked out in this way, allowing us to optimise technical feasibility and aesthetic consistency.
The real-time virtual experience allowed the design team and other partners involved to test and adjust their vision immediately. In this way, we strengthened the design process, accelerated decision-making and contributed to a solution that was both technically well thought-out and visually convincing - a clear example of how innovation and collaboration lead to sustainable architectural progress.
Together for better
By supporting the Belgian pavilion, we underline our commitment to the future of architecture. Building Biospheres challenges, inspires and shows how design, technology and nature can build a liveable future together.
Together with architects, landscape architects, scientists and partners such as the Flemish Architecture Institute, we continue to build sustainable and intelligent living environments. Because just like in Venice, we at Reynaers Aluminium believe in the power of collaboration.