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Recyclable Architecture: Prefabricated and Recyclable Typologies

Author

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  • Marielle Ferreira Silva

    (Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

  • Laddu Bhagya Jayasinghe

    (Faculty of Science, Technology, and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

  • Daniele Waldmann

    (Faculty of Science, Technology, and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

  • Florian Hertweck

    (Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

Abstract

Buildings are being demolished without taking into the account the waste generated, and the housing shortage problem is getting more critical as cities are growing and the demand for built space and the use of resources are increasing. Architectural projects have been using prefabrication and modular systems to solve these problems. However, there is an absence of structures that can be disassembled and reused when the structure’s life ran its course. This paper presents three building prototypes of new recyclable architectural typologies: (i) a Slab prototype designed as a shelf structure where wooden housing modules can be plugged in and out, (ii) a Tower prototype allowing for an easy change of layout and use of different floors and (iii) a Demountable prototype characterized by the entire demountability of the building. These typologies combine modularity, flexibility, and disassembling to address the increasing demands for multi-use, re-usable and resource-efficient constructions. Design, drawings, plans, and 3D models are developed, tested and analyzed as a part of the research. The results show that the implementation of the recyclable architectural concept at the first design stage is feasible and realistic, and ensures the adaptation through time, increases life span, usability and the material reusability, while avoiding demolition, which in turn reduces the construction waste and, consequently, the CO 2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Marielle Ferreira Silva & Laddu Bhagya Jayasinghe & Daniele Waldmann & Florian Hertweck, 2020. "Recyclable Architecture: Prefabricated and Recyclable Typologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-21, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1342-:d:319691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Abd Rashid, Ahmad Faiz & Yusoff, Sumiani, 2015. "A review of life cycle assessment method for building industry," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 244-248.
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    Cited by:

    1. Volkan Ezcan & Jack Steven Goulding, 2022. "Offsite Sustainability—Disentangling the Rhetoric through Informed Mindset Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-27, April.
    2. Graziano Salvalai & Marta Maria Sesana & Diletta Brutti & Marco Imperadori, 2020. "Design and Performance Analysis of a Lightweight Flexible nZEB," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-27, July.
    3. Michaël Rakotonjanahary & Frank Scholzen & Daniele Waldmann, 2020. "Summertime Overheating Risk Assessment of a Flexible Plug-In Modular Unit in Luxembourg," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Mazen M. Omer & Rahimi A. Rahman & Saud Almutairi, 2022. "Strategies for Enhancing Construction Waste Recycling: A Usability Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.

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