Design with Reclaimed Components in Timber Construction

In the context of a circular economy, material reuse and design with reclaimed components are increasingly viewed as essential strategies for reducing waste and extending product life cycles. Circular economy principles aim to minimize waste through the direct reuse of products, components, or materials, thereby prolonging their life before final recycling is required. This approach is particularly significant in the construction industry, one of the largest consumers of raw materials and producers of waste worldwide. Timber construction, with its high cascade utilization potential, offers significant opportunities for reuse. However, despite the advantages of reclaiming timber for new uses, traditional downcycling practices, such as converting old timber into wood-based products or using it for energy production, remain prevalent. This chapter explores the challenges and strategies associated with timber reuse, focusing on its role in circular design. It outlines the key economic, environmental, technological, regulatory, and organizational challenges when implementing timber reuse, followed by strategies for overcoming these obstacles through technological, geometric, and organizational approaches. Practical examples of timber reuse are highlighted through three case studies: the structural reuse of glulam at Brussels’ Recypark, the temporary office building for the Austrian Parliament, and the PopUp Dorms in Vienna. The chapter concludes by identifying potential future research areas and emphasizing the continued evolution of timber reuse within the construction sector.