Detailing for the Deconstruction of Buildings

Designing details for deconstruction at the start of a project enables one building, at the end of its useful lifespan, to be the resource for the next and helps “close the loop” for resource use. It also designs out future risk and cost by ensuring that building elements and products can be quickly and easily maintained and replaced. This guide arms builders and designers with practical methods for ensuring that the bulk of materials used in new buildings can be reused and recycled at the end of that building’s useful life.

The guide is divided into six chapters; Chapters One to Five examine the context and principles of designing for deconstruction. Chapter Six consists of five typical construction details together with alternatives which optimize the potential for each detail to exploit deconstruction and waste reduction techniques, along with explanations and costs.