Build
for Disassembly, Reuse & Recycling
Interiors change
often over the life of a building, particularly office and retail
occupancies. Each “tenant improvement” wastes a great deal
of material unless the initial design eases disassembly, reuse and
recyclability.
In commercial
applications, consider demountable partition systems that can be moved
as interior uses change.
Specify fixtures
and equipment that can be repaired or salvaged to minimize waste.
Design should consider how repairs or removal will occur, and allow
access for these purposes. Specify materials and methods with high
potential for recyclability, e.g. those which can be separated into
recyclable components such as single metals, plastics, gypsum and
glass. Wherever possible, avoid composite products that make this
separation difficult or impossible.
To ease future
disassembly, use bolt and nut fasteners before screws; screws before
nails; nails before strippable adhesives, and strippable adhesives
before permanent glues such as contact cement or epoxy. Use standard
fasteners easily found in future; trim can be used to hide fasteners
for a cleaner look.
Cautions
- Structural
systems for commercial buildings should allow flexible interior
space planning. Consider structural systems requiring the fewest
fixed shear walls and braces projecting into occupied spaces.
- Building operator's
manuals and tenant information should highlight and explain demountable
partition systems, or they may be treated as if they are permanent.
