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Reusing Timber Formwork in Building Construction: Testing, Redesign, and Socio-Economic Reflection
[journal article]
Abstract In 2018, the construction sector was responsible for 39% of the worldwide energy and process-related carbon dioxide emissions (Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction et al., 2019). This is partly due to the embodied carbon, which represents the carbon emissions related to building constructi... view more
In 2018, the construction sector was responsible for 39% of the worldwide energy and process-related carbon dioxide emissions (Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction et al., 2019). This is partly due to the embodied carbon, which represents the carbon emissions related to building construction and material production (LETI, 2020). While zero energy buildings and zero energy renovations start to get the operational carbon down, the circular economy aims to do this by closing material loops and stimulating the reuse of discarded materials in building construction (Ellen McArthur Foundation et al., 2015). Although it is not a new phenomenon, material reuse does require a substantially different approach and is at this point not yet common in the building industry. This is especially true for load-bearing components. This article presents a pilot project for the reuse of discarded timber formwork for the construction of the façade and (load-bearing) substructure of a new house. Through this pilot case and by reflecting on a series of similar cases, it studies the remaining challenges for material reuse but also proposes and assesses redesign strategies that will allow upscaling the reuse of timber formwork. The project shows that although waste, material, and money can be saved by using reclaimed materials, it does complicate the design and construction process and, as such, does not necessarily reduce the total project budget. Moreover, for reuse to become a current practice, new design approaches and collaborations will need to be established. Finally, socio-economic factors must be considered to increase the acceptance of reclaimed materials in new building construction.... view less
Keywords
housing construction; sustainability; recycling management; emission; environmental protection; stock management; construction industry
Classification
Ecology, Environment
Area Development Planning, Regional Research
Free Keywords
CO2 reduction; circular economy; circular housing; material reuse; resource efficiency; sustainable architecture
Document language
English
Publication Year
2022
Page/Pages
p. 81-96
Journal
Urban Planning, 7 (2022) 2
Issue topic
Zero Energy Renovation: How to Get Users Involved?
ISSN
2183-7635
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed