22. 7. 2026
Ramen Dexters: Plug-and-play window frames aim to conquer the world
Arrive at the construction site, install temporary fillers in the window openings, and once the building is complete, remove the fillers and snap the actual window into place. That’s the plan of Ramen Dexters, a Belgian manufacturer of aluminium windows and doors. The company’s project was successful in the Up2Circ program, and Ramen Dexters plans to enter the market with it.
The company was inspired to create “plug & play” window frames by situations it encountered on construction sites, particularly on large-scale projects.
The standard procedure is to complete the rough construction, which includes doors and windows. After that, they proceed with further interior and exterior work – whether it’s plumbing, laying floors, or plastering walls.
However, during these tasks, workers often dirtied or even damaged the windows. “We often have to return to construction sites to perform repairs or even replace window panes. Therefore, the idea grew to look for a way to follow the flow of the work,” says Wendy Van Edom, COO of Ramen Dexters.
This allows a single window to be used in different locations over time. “We’re thus moving from recycling materials to reusing them,” notes the COO of Ramen Dexters.
But after some time, the process stalled. Through multiple discussions with the research and innovation center Buildwise, it became clear that the installation of the frame can be interpreted in different ways within the EPB framework, depending on how the frame’s position within the building envelope is defined.
This leads to significantly different testing methods and certification requirements. “At this stage, we are working together with various stakeholders to define the correct interpretation of the frame, so that we can subsequently carry out the appropriate test setups,” says Wendy Van Edom.![]()
The company is also continuing to make progress on the design and on how the frame can be assembled, disassembled and reused – always keeping the focus on sustainability and circularity. Therefore are Ramen Dexters working closely with specialized partners who help them explore further developments and improvements. And where possible even implement them before entering testing phase.
As Wendy Van Edom explains, the project still faces two main challenges. Firstly, the construction sector is still characterized by a rather traditional structure, making the implementation of change inherently challenging. “Secondly, strict safety requirements mean that the necessary testing and certifications are essential before moving forward,” adds Wendy Van Edom.
But despite these challenges, she remains optimistic as she feels that the sector is ready to embrace and implement innovation. “Sustainability and circularity are no longer optional – they have become an integral part of the construction industry. And if we allow ourselves to dream big, we believe the implementation of our ‘click & play’ system could become a real game changer on a global scale,” says Ramen Dexters’ COO.
The standard procedure is to complete the rough construction, which includes doors and windows. After that, they proceed with further interior and exterior work – whether it’s plumbing, laying floors, or plastering walls.
However, during these tasks, workers often dirtied or even damaged the windows. “We often have to return to construction sites to perform repairs or even replace window panes. Therefore, the idea grew to look for a way to follow the flow of the work,” says Wendy Van Edom, COO of Ramen Dexters.
One window for various construction projects
Their aluminium “plug & play” frames could be the solution. They are installed in the window opening with temporary fillers, and when the construction is complete, workers remove the fillers. “They snap real windows into place instead. We can also remove these windows at any time and replace them or move them elsewhere,” explains Wendy Van Edom.This allows a single window to be used in different locations over time. “We’re thus moving from recycling materials to reusing them,” notes the COO of Ramen Dexters.
Proper testing is the key
Success in the Up2Circ program, in which Ramen Dexters collaborated with Jakub Masri from the Czech innovation center JIC, helped the company secure funding to develop the idea and put it into practice. However, Ramen Dexters also needs the appropriate certification for this. And so the company immediately began working on it and planning to test a prototype of its frames.But after some time, the process stalled. Through multiple discussions with the research and innovation center Buildwise, it became clear that the installation of the frame can be interpreted in different ways within the EPB framework, depending on how the frame’s position within the building envelope is defined.
This leads to significantly different testing methods and certification requirements. “At this stage, we are working together with various stakeholders to define the correct interpretation of the frame, so that we can subsequently carry out the appropriate test setups,” says Wendy Van Edom.
Further improvements are on the horizon
Although “plug & play” window frames aren’t available yet, Ramen Dexters already knows of several interested parties who want to use them. “These are construction companies, architects, contractors, and other firms. They’re all genuinely interested,” confirms Ramen Dexters’ COO.The company is also continuing to make progress on the design and on how the frame can be assembled, disassembled and reused – always keeping the focus on sustainability and circularity. Therefore are Ramen Dexters working closely with specialized partners who help them explore further developments and improvements. And where possible even implement them before entering testing phase.
As Wendy Van Edom explains, the project still faces two main challenges. Firstly, the construction sector is still characterized by a rather traditional structure, making the implementation of change inherently challenging. “Secondly, strict safety requirements mean that the necessary testing and certifications are essential before moving forward,” adds Wendy Van Edom.
But despite these challenges, she remains optimistic as she feels that the sector is ready to embrace and implement innovation. “Sustainability and circularity are no longer optional – they have become an integral part of the construction industry. And if we allow ourselves to dream big, we believe the implementation of our ‘click & play’ system could become a real game changer on a global scale,” says Ramen Dexters’ COO.