Upcycling
|
| This greenhouse project at the Edderton Primary School in the Scottish Highlands, was constructed from a timber frame, with wall panels made from empty plastic drinks bottles. |
Upcycling is the creative reuse of existing materials to form something new. This technique often preserves some of the qualities or characteristics of the original materials. It is sometimes associated with social enterprises or do-it-yourself activities in communities.
Upcycling projects vary significantly in complexity and variety of materials. Unlike recycling, upcycling does not break the product down to its raw materials for repurposing. Instead, it transforms the existing materials into something else, ideally improving their appearance and purpose as a result of the process. While the overall improvement may be subjective, this idea of improvement is the “up” aspect of upcycling. Sometimes materials can be taken from a low-value use and upcycled to a higher value use.
In terms of buildings and construction, upcycling can be used to revitalise existing buildings that might otherwise be targeted for demolition. If the fundamental foundations, and other key elements of the buildings are sound, then they may be suitable for upcycling.
The benefits of upcycling buildings can include:
- Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
- Conserving resources and reducing pollution.
- Reducing production costs.
- Encouraging creativity.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Ashby company breathes new life into 19th century hospital site.
- Conservation Professional Practice Principles.
- Quantification of construction materials in existing buildings (material intensity).
- Recycling explained.
- Retrofit measures for historic buildings and cities.
- Saltaire world heritage site.
- Sustainability in building design and construction.
- Upcycling buildings.
- Upgrade.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.