Innovative Design For the Future - Use and Reuse of Wood (Building) Components

The goal of the project

The goal focuses on the reuse of current reclaimed wood in the circular economy as structural material but also on creating a “design for deconstruction" for future buildings.

Expected results and effects

This project will widen our perspective and reduce our reliance on new wood from a relatively small number of species - all of which are potentially at risk from climate change, pests and diseases. It will change our perspective from thinking of wood as a limitless resource, to one that should be responsibly managed - not just in the forest, but throughout its useful life.

The impact of the project covers several areas: from immediate technical and process solutions to education and training for industry professionals. An important outcome will be the change in national and international policy.

Outputs will range from tangible items, such as publications and new products, to less tangible knowledge and cultural shifts. We must regard wood as a material that is worth circulating, and also avoid actions that unwittingly cause problems at another stage of life

The building industry will be helped to reduce their environmental impact considerably, whilst also an increased number of wooden high-rise buildings in areas where land plots are expensive will be of great benefit for the society.