Circular economy in building design

 Introduction:

Circular economy in architecture is a concept that aims  at preventing the deterioration of the environment through the alteration of the more conventional linear model of building  (extract, use, discard). It seeks to develop systems in which resources are cyclically utilized, either used  again, recycled or reused, and to minimize waste and the impact on the environment. This concept is  currently being embraced by architects and designers in their efforts to design low carbon embodied massing and adaptive structures  that have longer life span.

Key Principles of Circular Economy in Design: Design for Adaptability and  Longevity 

The buildings are designed in such a way that they have the ability to alter the  interior as well as the systems in the building.

Some of the benefits of modular construction include;  The ability to perform upgrades, replace to and even move certain parts of the building. 

Reclaimed  and Recycled Materials 

It also entails the use of materials from existing buildings which greatly reduces the  requirement of new resources. These are; the reclaimed wood, the recycled steel and the crushed concrete for  new construction. 

For example, bio-bricks produced from agricultural waste demonstrate the potential for the application  of circular economy. 

Design for Disassembly (DFD) 

This involves the use  of buildings with components that can be broken down and used again. This approach encourages the use of  bolts and screws rather than adhesives that are used in the construction of a building and can be  easily removed. 

 Lifecycle Thinking 

Designers assess the environmental impact of materials and systems for  production, use and end-of-life and select those with lower carbon foot print and higher recyclability. 

Challenges in Implementation 

Economic Feasibility: For instance, circular design requires the use of special materials  and construction methods which may be costly.

Regulatory Barriers: Codes in the building sector and regulations  in the zoning and land use management may be archaic and not in a position to allow for new  age ideas. 

Technical Expertise: This is especially because many architects, engineers and contractors have little  or no knowledge on circular design principles. 

Market Availability of Reclaimed Materials: The market for used  or recycled materials is still developing and thus the supply chains for such materials are not well established. 

Benefits of Circular Economy Design 

Environmental Impact: The circular economy strategies involve the conservation of the natural resources  used in the process, waste management and the reduction of the energy used in the production process. 

Economic Resilience: The building owners save on the operating costs and increase the value of their assets  through efficient resource management. 

Social Value: Circular economy initiatives generate employment in recycling, material innovation and  sustainable construction. 

Climate Resilience: Through the reduction of embodied carbon, the circular buildings assist  in combating the effects of climate change. 

Examples of Circular Economy in Action 

The Edge,  Amsterdam: It is a flexible building that incorporated modular and recyclable materials to ensure it is energy efficient and  has a low carbon footprint like achieving net zero energy consumption. 

 CIRCL Pavilion, Amsterdam:  A bank owned structure that was built using second hand materials and which has been erected in a way that  it can be disassembled. 

 Park20|20, Netherlands: This is a development that  has been influenced by the Cradle to Cradle concept in that it embraces the idea of material reuse  and efficient energy utilization. 

 Conclusion 

 The conceptual analysis of the circular economy in architecture shows that the  approach is a progressive one that changes the perception of the building lifecycle. Despite the existing challenges, the  future prospects for the idea are promising, being ecological, economic, and socially positive, which is a  crucial contribution to the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Through exposing the successful projects as well as addressing  some of the barriers, architects can be able to embrace the notion of shifting to efficient resource utilization.

Circular Economy in Building Design