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
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.