Principles for Responsible Timber Construction Implementation Framework logo

Design for adaptability, disassembly and reuse

To get the most from the Implementation Framework explore strategies and actions across each project phase to see how the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction can be applied.

Strategies

Strategy 2.2 Design for adaptability, disassembly and reuse

Designing for adaptability and disassembly ensures that timber buildings remain valuable, flexible, and sustainable across generations. Since timber systems are naturally suited to modular and prefabricated construction, they can be designed for easy reconfiguration, extension, or selective deconstruction – maximising material recovery and carbon retention. By embedding design-for-reuse principles early in the project, architects and engineers can create structures that evolve with user needs, reducing demolition waste and avoiding the carbon costs of rebuilding. Reversible connections, standardised components, and accessible detailing enable the safe recovery and reuse of timber elements at the end of a building’s service life. This strategy transforms timber buildings into long-term carbon stores and material banks, reinforcing the transition to a circular, low-carbon construction economy that values longevity, adaptability, and responsible material stewardship.

Principles for Responsible Timber Construction included in this strategy

Stakeholders

Actions

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Contractors

Collaborate with designers to co-develop disassembly and reusability strategies

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Cities & Policymakers

Encourage design-for-disassembly through building regulations, procurement criteria, and planning incentives

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Insurers

Evaluate risk accurately. Develop underwriting criteria that reflect reduced lifetime risk from modular, reversible systems

Sub-action

Favour buildings with verifiable reuse potential and transparent documentation.
Facilitate the use of second-life timber materials in structural or non-structural applications.

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Incorporate materials from previously deconstructed timber projects where viable, privileging best practice in wood cascading to maximise quality exploitation over time.

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Develop reuse-first design alternatives; create parallel adaptative and reuse concept schemes that integrate mass timber for extensions and retrofits alongside new-build options in initial design studies

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Developers

Initiate early engagement with insurers to guarantee reuse of timber products

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Cities & Policymakers

Nurture Circularity – Provide temporary storage infrastructure for reclaimed timber and facilitate exchange of construction products and materials for reuse

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Show flexibility around timber sizing and species to adapt to available stock in reclamation outlets

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Show modular, flexible – to create the “cascade”

Sub-action

Design around modular grid systems and dry connections to allow safe disassembly, upgrading, or expansion.

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Specify durable, reusable details that extend building lifespan and maximise circular value

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Developers

Support digital material tagging and pre-demolition planning tools during design

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Designers

Use reversible or dry connection details (bolts, screws, clamps) instead of adhesives or glues for component accessibility and replacement

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood

Phase 2 Strategy 2.2 Developers

Stipulate the regenerative approach requiring adaptability, disassembly and reuse intent in design briefs and performance targets

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Extending the life of existing buildings
  • Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood