Traditional construction follows a “take-make-waste” model. Materials are extracted, used, and discarded, leaving behind mountains of waste. In Denmark and around the world, this approach contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. But Circle House flips this script. Instead of designing buildings destined for demolition, the team behind Circle House asked a simple but powerful question: What if buildings were designed to be deconstructed and reused?

The Circle House team envisioned a housing complex where up to 90% of the materials could be reused at the end of their lifecycle. This vision was rooted in circularity — a system where materials are kept in use, reducing waste and conserving resources. From the start, every element of Circle House was designed to support this goal.

Imagine a future renovation in Circle House. Instead of demolishing walls and ripping out fixtures, the renovation team carefully disassembles components. The flooring goes back to the manufacturer for remilling, the wall panels are reused in another project, and the windows are refurbished for new installations. Nothing goes to waste, and the materials’ value is preserved.

By embracing circularity, Circle House demonstrates that housing can be both affordable and sustainable. This approach doesn’t just reduce waste — it creates a closed-loop system where materials retain their value over time. For the residents of Circle House, this means living in homes that are not only functional and beautiful but also part of a solution to one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.

Focus on renovation designs that facilitate easy disassembly and reuse of materials in future. For example, use modular systems and mechanical fasteners, such as screws rather than adhesives, to ensure that components can be recovered intact.

Recover items such as timber, bricks, and fixtures from existing structures. These salvaged materials can be reused in the current renovation or repurposed for new projects, reducing waste and preserving the inherent value of the resources.

Choose durable, long-lasting materials and timeless designs to reduce the frequency of replacement. This approach not only minimises waste but also improves the overall sustainability of the refurbishment.

Choose materials with a low environmental impact, such as reclaimed wood or recycled glass. These options reduce reliance on virgin resources and contribute to a greener renovation process.

Treat construction waste as an opportunity rather than a burden. Repurpose materials for landscaping, pathways or creative upcycling projects such as custom furniture or decorative elements, turning waste into a functional asset.