Reuse potential
Contents |
Definition
The reuse potential of an assembly is a measure that expresses the likelihood that the parts of that assembly can be disassembled simply, fast and without damage, and thus reused.
Reuse potential can be calculated for a smaller assembly or for a whole building. It relies on aspects such as the compatibility and independence of its parts, and evaluates criteria such as functional and technical autonomy, assembly sequence, connection reversibility and component geometry.
Guidelines
Both reuse potential and transformation capacity are measures of the reversibility of a building. At this moment, the implementation of the concept ‘reuse potential’ is under development. Therefore, the proposed definition will be detailed during the project.
Related terms
The Reuse Potential Tool assesses a component or assembly’s reuse potential. Hence, it supports the design of components and assemblies with a high reuse potential, resulting in an incentive for future reuse.
References
Durmisevic E. (2006). Transformable building structures: design for disassembly as a way to introduce sustainable engineering to building design and construction (doctoral thesis). Delft: TUDelft
--BAMB - Buildings As Material Banks 08:00, 15 Aug 2018 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
























