The use of renewable materials in reversible building design

Abstract

Abstract only. Today we are getting more and more confronted with the finiteness of mineral and fossil deposits of organic material. Extraction costs are rising and the availability of resources is decreasing. Together with an increased demand -as world population expands and developing nations are becoming wealthier- the situation will become unbearable, even if resources are recycled in perpetuity. Instead of using finite resources, such as concrete and steel, renewable materials, such as flax and hemp, can be used in the building sector. Renewable materials are sourced from living plants and animals and do not disadvantage future generations. They do not only take pressure off finite resources, they can be composted at the end of their useful life if no undegradable materials are added, beside other advantages. Furthermore, the use of reversible building design is recommended to reduce the extraction of resources. For example, a building can be more easily maintained and can anticipate changing needs during its useful life, such as a changing family composition, without generating additional waste by using reversible building components. By combining both strategies, the use of renewable building materials and the use of reversible building design, the advantages of both strategies can be combined too. The use of renewable materials in reversible building components enables the closure of the loop at both scale levels: material and component level. In this way, a building component can be reused, but can be composted when a component is damaged. Therefore, in this paper additional advantages, opportunities, barriers and threats are identified of using renewable resources in reversible building design. In addition, current application is examined.