The Tectonics of Reuse: An Investigation into the Architectural Expression of Reclaimed Timber and Design for Disassembly (DfD) through the process of Deconstruction, Reprocessing, and Prototyping
Date
2025-04-14
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Abstract
Buildings are major consumers of resources and generators of waste, both during
construction and at the end of their lifespan. With growing concern over the environmental
impacts of materials, this thesis explores the potential of reclaimed wood as a creative
constraint for developing contextual, expressive, and low-carbon design solutions.
Prototyping at the furniture scale is used to identify and distill theories, methods, and
principles for building with reused materials. These insights are then scaled up to inform
a reimagining of Light Wood Framing (LWF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The result is two key
interventions: redesigning the nailed butt-joint for disassembly and adapting the frame to
accommodate the dimensional variation of salvaged timber.
By engaging with the full material life cycle—from sourcing to reuse—this thesis offers
insights into alternative building practices, the limitations of existing systems, and the
potential for materials to flow meaningfully across time and scale.
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Keywords
Reuse, Wood, Tectonics, Timber, Design for disassembly, Circular, Deconstruction, Prototyping, Environment, Ecosystem, Sustainability, Architecture, Light Wood Frame, Salvage, building technology