ABSTRACT
Transitioning to a sustainable building industry requires incorporating materials from deconstructed buildings into the design of new structures. This paper presents the state of the art in ongoing research on integrating reclaimed load-bearing elements into building design and further discusses how to create a digital workflow that incorporates available reclaimed materials into the conceptual design phase. The research explores the methods and tools necessary for such a digital workflow, focusing on grading and classifying the reclaimed materials, as well as digitally integrating them into the structural design while maintaining the conventional design process. Central to this approach are methods such as 3D scanning, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and matching algorithms. The paper discusses current developments, challenges, and future needs for fostering a circular economy in building design, with a focus on reclaimed timber.
