Genbrug på matriklen (ReUSE on the PLOT)

“Genbrug på Matriklen” (Reuse on the Plot) is a research project aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges of sustainable construction. Direct reuse of materials from existing buildings at the same location is recognised as one of the most environmentally friendly practices. There are, however, two main obstacles to this. First of all, reused materials are unique and differ from new materials; this complicates the use of traditional building processes. Secondly, there are often concerns, both well-founded and unfounded, about pollution, from e.g. asbestos or PCBs. The project attempts to overcome these obstacles by giving architects access to environmental screening data and visualised data from non-destructive testing, providing an improved understanding of how the collected materials can be reused – even before they are moved or new elements are added to the existing load-bearing systems.

The project is based on the premise of simplifying the design process for reusing existing materials at the building site; a process that is currently complex and unmanageable. Increasing the amount of direct reuse would allow us to reduce emissions. In order to analyse and consider the reuse potential, future building projects will require more time and reflection. This could result in a design process that is better informed and in more artistic designs, with a minimal impact on the environment. The project is going to explore how the design processes of architects change when they take into account the available reused materials and are given access to data that are visualised; data they have not previously had access to.

The method for investigating this is an experiment based on the principles behind the circular economy. The project begins with a full-scale case that represents a current problematic issue within the transformation or renovation of a specific building type. A catalogue of ideas containing proposals for design processes is then developed, based on the materials at the site and the potential for reuse at the site. This is repeated each year with new cases, and the project goes through two to three iterations – each iteration being improved by the acquired experience.

The purpose of the project is to investigate the way the design processes of architects change when they are given access to new data. How are the aesthetics and building culture going to develop when the design process prioritises the reuse of building materials directly at the site? Through close collaboration with demolition contractors and suppliers of recycled material, the project will also contribute valuable feedback on the best way of representing and utilising the available materials.

• Project title: Genbrug på matriklen (Reuse on the Plot)
• Project manager (contact): Lotte Bjerregaard Jensen
• External partners: Technical University of Denmark, Effekt Arkitekter, Cebra, Anna Mette Exner Arkitektur, Arkitema, JJW Arkitekter, Søren Jensen Rådg. Ing., Kingo Karlsen, P. Olesen, JDH byg, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Circular Construction, GreenDozer, MILVA.
• Researchers from AAA who participate in the project: Anders Kruse Aagaard, Niels Martin Larsen, Jon Andersen, Oskar Holst Kurtzweil, Vilius Thorsgaard Frølunde-Vizgaudis
• The project receives funding from Realdania