A GUIDANCE TOOL FOR CIRCULAR BUILDING DESIGN

Jelmer Amory
Faculty of Architecture & the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology
Julianalaan 134, 2628BL Delft
[email protected]

ABSTRACT
Circularity and the Circular Economy (CE) are gaining ground across different industries, including the building
sector. However, these terms are not clearly defined and there is a lack of proper guidance for architects to
effectively implement these concepts into their designs. In this paper, the research question: “How can architects,
non-expert to the CE, be stimulated and systematically guided towards circular design?” is answered through the
development of a guidance tool for circular buildings. Firstly, the key principles of circularity are identified.
Second, a list of ‘circular design’ and ‘circular material usage’ strategies, appearing in literature, is compiled
and structured. These strategies, accompanied by relevant reference projects, are comprised into a framework
(guidance tool). Last, this framework is reflected on, in terms of its capability to answer the research question.

KEYWORDS: Circular Economy, CE, circularity, architecture, building design, design for circularity,
guidance tool, framework, circular design strategies, circular material usage strategies

I. INTRODUCTION
Ever since the Industrial Revolution, a Linear Economy (LE) model was adopted, supported by an
abundance of resources. Considering the earth as a closed system, it becomes apparent that this model
is restricted (Braungart & McDonough, 2002, p.103-105). Due to an increase in population and global
prosperity, a turning point was reached around the year 2000. From this moment on, resource prices
started increasing rather than decreasing as we came to face the limitations of our planet (EMF, n.d. c).
Since the 1950’s, conceptual frameworks have been developed to try to limit the destruction of the
earth, such as: Regenerative Design, Performance Economy, Cradle-to-Cradle, Industrial Ecology,
Biomimicry, Green Economy, Blue Economy and Bio-Based Economy. Many of these ideas are included
in the Circular Economy (CE), a new economy model based on circular principles relating to
environmental, social and financial assets (Verberne, 2016, p.12). There is both a moral obligation
(towards future generations) and an economic incentive for the adoption of a CE model, as businesses
that implement the CE can profit from efficiency gains and reputation gains (Reike et al., 2017, p.4).
In the building industry, historically, the reuse of materials has been high. However, in the past decades,
the amount of demolition waste has increased significantly (Hobbs & Adams, 2017, p.109). In recent
years, the concept of circularity has been gaining traction. However, as the building industry is relatively
complex and generally conservative, the transition towards a CE has been slow (BIS, 2013, p.81).
Recently, the focus of sustainable building design has been more on energy consumption than on
materials. As the building industry remains a key contributor to resource depletion, climate change,
pollution, and related problems, there is an opportunity for a better integration of the CE in the building
industry (Leising et al., 2017, p.976-977).
The CE is complex and not unanimously defined. As the term ‘circularity’ grows in popularity, without
proper backing of a clear definition or metric, its meaning becomes vague, like ‘sustainable’ and
‘green’. Moreover, the way to achieve circularity in a building or product is subject of debate. There is
an increasing amount of examples of buildings that have been labelled ‘circular’, but the quantity of
restoration of material flows is not maximised, so the term ‘circular’ only applies to an (unspecified)
extent. The aim of this research is to provide insight in the different aspects of circularity and the CE in
architecture, and to provide a guidance tool for architects who wish to improve the circularity, as a
specific attribute of quality of the building design.
1.1. Definitions
1.1.1. Circular Economy
There is no standard definition for the CE model, but major organisations share the same ideas on the
concept. All definitions have in common that the CE is opposed to the LE model: “make-take-waste”
(Saidani et al, 2017, p.3). The strength of the CE is the compatibility of sustainable development and
economic benefits (value creation and savings by resource input reduction), environmental benefits
(impact reduction) and even social benefits (job creation) (Saidani et al, 2017, p.1-2). The ultimate goal
is sustainable development, achieved through the improvement of resource efficiency by circularity
(Linder et al., 2017, p.546).
1.1.2. Circularity
Circularity is the quantity of restauration of resource flows (EMF et al., 2015b, p.5). It can be considered
at different systemic levels. There generally are four levels of circularity: macro level (city, province,
region, nation), meso level (eco-industrial parks), micro level (single company or consumer) and nano
level (buildings, products, components and materials) (Saidani et al, 2017, p.4-5). The levels influence
and interact with each other: the higher levels are based on the lower levels. The shift towards a CE
requires changes at each of these levels (Linder et al., 2017, p.546). Circularity at nano level consists
of two aspects: circular material usage and circular design (Geldermans, 2016, p.301; Loppies, 2015,
p.44):
• Circular material usage: Materials are selected based on circularity: materials that are
renewable (biological cycles) or reusable after usage (technical cycles);
• Circular design: Products and components are designed and manufactured to easily be
disassembled at the end of their use and can be applied in a new situation again.
For buildings, circularity can be perceived and measured on a scale of 100% linear to 100% circular, as
a single attribute of building quality (Linder et al., 2017, p.546-547).
1.1.3. Circular Building Design
There are various circular design strategies at nano level, focusing on products, components and
materials. Circular building design is a Design for Circularity (DfC) strategy that is specific to, or
compatible with buildings. In the field of architecture, circular design can be described as: “a building
that is designed, planned, built, operated, maintained, and deconstructed in a manner consistent with
CE principles” (Pomponi & Moncaster, 2017, p.711). This includes optimising the buildings’ useful
lifetime and integrating the end-of-life phase in the design (Leising et al., 2017, p.977).
1.2. Relevance of Research
In its long tradition, the CE has only recently gained traction, as the urgency has become more apparent
due to population growth and global wealth increase (Reike et al., 2017, p.4). In addition, regulation
and certification for circular performance in buildings is under development by the European
Commission, increasing the incentive to develop circular design methods and business models (Hobbs
& Adams, 2017, p.111). As such, the CE presents risks and opportunities for businesses. According to
the EMF, one of the main transitions that should take place for a successful implementation of circular
models is rethinking product design in order to facilitate the recovery of components and materials
(EMF et al., 2015a, p.7). As circularity is complex, effective circular design strategies should be
suggested to designers, non-expert to the CE (Saidani et al, 2017, p.13). The guidance tool proposed in
this research aims to provide architects with design strategies, material selection criteria and relevant
reference projects.
1.3. Scope of Research
This research aims to stimulate the transition towards a CE in architecture. In this research, building
circularity is considered with the following focus and limitations:
• System boundaries: In this research the focus is on the building (nano) level and its sub-levels:
building systems (Brand, 1994, p.13), products/components and materials. Circularity is
considered as closed loop or potential for connected open-loop cycles at a higher systemic level;
 • Focus on circularity: As explained, the transition towards a CE has technical, environmental,
economic and social motivations (Saidani et al, 2017, p.1-2). However, in this research, only
circularity as a combination of circular design and circular material usage (Geldermans, 2016,
p.301; Loppies, 2015, p.44) is considered. Other aspects of circularity in buildings require
additional research.
1.4. Research Questions and Methods
This research aims to answer the question: “How can architects, non-expert to the CE, be stimulated
and systematically guided towards circular design?” Systematic guidance requires the framing of the
key principles of circularity, using a ‘logical argumentation’ method (Groat & Wang, 2013, p.379). The
research seeks to give logical order to the concept of circular building design, by the development of a
framework for a usable guidance tool for architects, non-expert to the CE, who wish to develop a
circular building design. This is done in four steps:
• Step 1: Identification of key principles of the CE and circularity. This is done through (academic
and non-academic) literature on the fundamentals of the CE and circularity and on assessment
methods for circular performance;
• Step 2: Exploration of existing design and material usage strategies of the CE and circularity.
This is done through (academic and non-academic) literature on design methods for the CE and
circularity and through architectural and non-architectural case studies of circular design;
• Step 3: Development of a framework. This is done using the knowledge gained in the literature
and case study research into a usable guidance tool for the targeted users, by combining
theoretical principles with practical strategies and reference projects;
• Step 4: Conclusions are drawn and recommendations for future research are made.

II. KEY PRINCIPLES OF CIRCULARITY IN BUILDINGS

The butterfly diagram by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF et al., 2015b, p.3), presented in Figure
1, is one of the most acknowledged and used CE models in businesses, as well as in academic articles
(Saidani et al, 2017, p.3). The diagram illustrates the continuous flow of technical and biological
materials through the ‘value circle’ (EMF, n.d. a).

Figure 1. The Butterfly Diagram (EMF et al., 2015b, p.3)

Circularity is achieved through a combination of circular material usage and circular design
(Geldermans, 2016, p.301; Loppies, 2015, p.44). As the CE aims to increase economic incentive for
sustainable development by incorporating circularity into feasible business models, circularity can be
thought of as a way of maintaining value of products, components and materials (EMF et al., 2015a,
p.15). In accordance with the previous distinction, product value (or building value) has to be divided
into material value (the value of the raw materials) and the added value (of the composition or
arrangement of the materials in a product) (Circulardesignguide, n.d.). Circular material usage aims to
prevent material degradation, and provide opportunities for material regeneration, as to protect and
maintain the material value. Circular design aims to provide opportunities for tight restoration cycles,
such as reuse and remanufacture, in favour of recycle, because this way, the highest amount of added
value is maintained (Hobbs & Adams, 2017, p.109).
Circularity is a combination of lifecycle thinking and system thinking (Balanay & Halog, 2016, p.228;
Saidani et al., 2017, p.11). Lifecycle phases are represented in the butterfly diagram, based on the
product and material lifecycles common to the LE model (from mining to landfill), which can be
abstracted to the development phase (input), the utility phase (use) and the end-of-life phase (output)
(Köhler et al., 2013, p.6). Strategies for circularity should consider the entire lifespan of the product,
component or material, as it is achieved by regenerative cycles that aim to prolong the use phases and
eliminate the end-of-life phase (Moreno et al., 2016, p.2). System levels are represented in the cascading
of the regenerative cycles, the tighter the cycle, the more system value is retained (EMF et al., 2015b,
p.2).
2.1. Circular Design Principles
2.1.1. Lifecycle Phases
Every manufactured object has a technical, functional, aesthetical and economic lifetime with different
cycle lengths, depending on the object (Verberne, 2016, p.34-35). According to Rau (VPRO Tegenlicht,
2015), in the LE, the service lifetime of products usually is dictated by the shortest of them all, as
designers and manufacturers use the concept of planned obsolescence to sell more. In contrast, in the
CE, there is an economic incentive to extend the service life. Circular design strategies are developed
to make this possible.
2.1.2. Cascading of Hierarchical Systemic Levels
As discussed before, circularity can be achieved at different systemic levels that interact with each other
(Linder et al., 2017, p.546). In this research, the level of a single building (nano level) is considered.
However, to achieve circularity at this level, the building should not be seen as a single entity, but as a
dynamic structure that is constantly adapting to the needs of the present (Verberne, 2016, p.34).
Therefore it is necessary to think of the building as a combination of building systems or levels, such as
proposed by Habraken (1961), in the ‘theory of levels’ and Brand (1994, p.13), in the theory of ‘sharing
layers’. Brand proposes a model of six layers, each with its own typical service life: site (eternal);
structure (30-300 years); skin (20 years); services (7-15 years); space plan (3-30 years); and stuff (<1
year). Circularity is more relevant for systems with a shorter lifetime, than for systems with a longer
lifetime (Verberne, 2016, p.69).
Each of these building systems, in turn, are comprised of a selection of products or components. Again,
each of these has its own service life and its own level of circularity. The systemic levels interact with
each other. As an architect, selecting or designing more circular products and components will increase
the level of circularity of the building system and ultimately that of the building. The lowest systemic
level: materials, is considered in the next part.
2.2. Circular Material Usage Principles
Aside from circular design in buildings, the material usage (selection of the material and material
processing method) is the final determining factor for the level of circularity.
2.1.1. Lifecycle Phases
Like circular design, circular material usage is concerned with three distinct phases: development
(input), utility (use) and end-of-life (output) (Köhler et al., 2013, p.6). Material recovery is a viable
circular strategy for the material input and output, but it is considered ‘the loop of last resort’
(Circulardesignguide, n.d.). When targeting the use phase, circularity strategies concern material
durability (Verberne, 2016, p.41).
2.2.2. Systemic Spheres
The material usage is divided in the technoshpere and biosphere. The technosphere consists of materials
that can be restored through recycling, whereas the biosphere contains all ecosystems on the planet,
including all life forms and their environment, that can be naturally regenerated (EMF et al., 2015a,
p.15-17). Hybrids of the two should generally be avoided (Braungart & McDonough, 2002, p. 98-117).

III. EXISTING CIRCULAR BUILDING STRATEGIES

The CE has its origins in different schools of thought, as explained by the EMF (EMF, n.d. b). These
schools of thought have resulted in different frameworks for circular design. Some of them are specific
to buildings, such as Buildings As Material Banks (Mulhall et al., 2017), some are more general, but
can be applied to buildings, such as ReSOLVE (EMF, 2015, p.21), and others are non-building specific,
but can provide inspiration for building design nonetheless.
In general, there is a discussion between the schools of thought based on eco-efficiency and those based
on eco-effectiveness. The first takes the LE as a starting point, and sets out to improve it (doing more
with less), while the latter takes the CE as a starting point (doing the right thing) (Braungart &
McDonough, 2002, p.45-91). For something to qualify as being circular, it should make use of circular
principles in the input, use and output phase. A building, system, product or component that is
developed for an excessive lifetime (use phase), but ends up either as energy recovery or as landfill is
not circular but is a slow linear process (Verberne, 2016, p.63).
3.1. Circular Design Strategies
The circularity cycles that characterise the CE are strategic options to deal with possible scenarios in
the future, which is uncertain. The butterfly diagram (Figure 1) presents a number of options, such as
maintenance, reuse, refurbish and recycle; in the order of value retention. Design for Circularity (DfC)
is the general term for facilitating options for value retention and value recovery for the future, by means
of clever, anticipating design. Design for X (DfX) paradigms are developed to increase the design’s
circular performance in regard to X, which can be any aspect of circularity, such as any one of the
circularity cycles (Design for Reuse), or more general kinds of strategies (Design for Disassembly)
(Verberne, 2016, p.40). The strategies are complementary rather than mutually exclusive and there is
no strictly defined set of strategies, as in literature many different terms are identified. Generally,
however, some kind of systemic hierarchy is adopted based on the concept of maintaining the added
value (Reike et al., 2017, p.8).
The circular design strategies for the development phase are concerned with the refuse and reduce of
the input (Reike et al., 2017; Verberne, 2016; Moreno et al., 2016). Concerning the use phase, circular
design is generally about making the cycles longer and always using the tightest loop (highest in
hierarchy) possible, as to maintain the most added value (Reike et al., 2017; Saidani et al., 2017; Moreno
et al., 2016; Verberne, 2016; Köhler et al., 2013). The circular strategies of the end-of-life are concerned
with the recovery of outputs, through cascading of systemic levels (Hobbs & Adams, 2017; Reike et
al., 2017; Leising et al., 2017; Luscuere, 2016a, 2016b; Moreno et al., 2016; Saidani et al., 2017;
Verberne, 2016; Köhler et al.). A table structuring the various circular design strategies is included in
Appendix A, an explanation of the strategies is included in Appendix B. A building, system, product or
component that is designed to anticipate future scenarios best will be suitable for all regeneration
strategies. This ensures that in every possible scenario, the tightest loop can be used.
3.2. Circular Material Usage Strategies
Material usage is divided in the technosphere and biosphere (EMF et al., 2015b, p.2). Circular material
usage strategies concerning the development phase, aim to limit the amount of virgin material input,
while maintaining quality (Braungart & McDonough, 2002, p.92-117; Reike et al., 2017, p.13; Moreno
et al., 2016, p.1-10). Concerning the use phase, the usage of durable materials is advised. Strategies for
the output phase concern precautionary principles: materials that are chosen with consideration for
future impacts and that have high quality will retain value and/or be more feasible for reuse and
recycling (Verberne, 2016, p.41).
Recycling is the common term for material recovery in the technical cycles, but it occurs in granular
levels: downcycling (converting materials into new materials of lesser quality and reduced
functionality); recycling (recovering materials to their original quality and functionality); and upcycling
(converting materials into new materials of higher quality and increased functionality) (EMF et al.,
2015a, p.15-17). Currently in many European countries recycling is commonplace. However this is not
done at high levels of application and the amount of reuse is minimal (Luscuere, 2016a, p.25). Materials
in the biological cycle can be renewed through a natural process (Braungart & McDonough, 2002,
p.105-109). A table structuring the various circular material usage strategies is included in Appendix
C, an explanation of the strategies is included in Appendix D.
The biosphere and technosphere are both good sources for reclaiming materials. However, in practice,
many times they are wrongly combined into hybrids. This has disastrous effects that are often
unidentified by the manufacturer or user. When a biological material is inseparably combined with a
technical material, the ability for natural breaking down or safely combusting of the biological part is
lost. It is contaminated with elements from the technical cycle and will cause pollution or even toxicity.
Besides, the technical part cannot be recycled to its original quality because it is contaminated with
biological elements that will weaken it. As such, these hybrids should be avoided (Braungart &
McDonough, 2002, p.98-117).
3.3. Theory Versus Practice
As mentioned before, the strategies for DfC are complementary and the inclusion of all or more of the
strategies increases the circularity potential of the object of design. However, in practice it is not always
possible to ensure the design provides options for every circularity loop, or some of the strategies are
not relevant for the particular case, given the expected future scenarios. There are various CE business
models that each focus on a specific set of cycles. Moreno et al. (2016, p.10) have identified five
architype circular business models, based on circular supplies; resource value; product life extension;
extending product value; and sharing platforms. In practice, the future scenarios of a product,
component or material are determined by the business model that it is developed for, therefore its design
should focus on these specific cycles.
Architectural as well as non-architectural case studies of circular design show prioritising towards one
or several strategies, based on their respective business model. For example, the ‘Design Out Waste’
project by The Agency Of Design (The Agency of Design, n.d.) demonstrates this in three conceptual
designs for a toaster, each designed for its own specific circular business model. This has resulted in
three completely different designs, exploiting different strategies for circularity. These approaches may
be applicable to other industries, such as in building design, while other approaches could be developed
so suit a circular business model in such an industry specifically. In architecture, a few cases have been
developed for the concept of Buildings As Material Banks (BAMB). The aim of this approach is to
recover value from buildings, which are designed to facilitate that recovery (Luscuere, 2016a, p.25).
For example, the extension of the city hall in Brummen, The Netherlands, by RAU, is comprised in
such a way. Through lease contracts for products, components and materials, the building is ensured to
be disassembled, and recirculated after its initial use. The value retention prospects of these products,
components and materials have dictated much of the design, as part of this design for circular business
model (RAU, n.d.). Further explanations of the circular design and circular material usage case studies
is provided in Appendix B and D respectively.

IV. GUIDANCE TOOL

4.1. Development of the Tool
In order for the guidance tool to answer the research question: “How can architects, non-expert to the
CE, be stimulated and systematically guided towards circular design?” a set of requirements was
defined, aimed at 1) systematic guidance; and 2) stimulation for architects, non-expert to the CE. These
requirements were implemented into a framework for the guidance tool (Figure 2). The requirements
for the tool in terms of 1) systematic guidance are:
• It should comprise all the key principles of circularity in buildings;
• It should provide guidance for different circular strategies, aimed at all lifecycle phases of the
design and specific to all hierarchical levels of the design;
• As the field of circularity in buildings is in development, the tool should be non-static;
And in terms of 2) stimulation for architects, non-expert to the CE:
• It should be user-friendly and comprehensible for architects, non-expert to the CE, during the
design process, therefore it should combine theoretical principles with practical strategies and
reference projects, using visual traits.

Figure 2. Framework for the circular building guidance tool (own image)
4.1.1. Development of the Framework
In the preliminary research, the appropriate format for the guidance tool was developed. In order to
systematically guide architects towards circular design, a ‘logical argumentation’ method was chosen.
The spectrum of logical argumentation spans from ‘formal/mathematical’ (using equations and software
programs) to ‘cultural/discursive’ frameworks (using treatises), with ‘mathematical/cultural’
frameworks (using models and analytical tools) in between (Groat & Wang, 2013, p.379-411). As
architects are visual people (Groat & Wang, 2013, p.25), the proposed framework is positioned at the
‘cultural/discursive’ side of the scale and makes use of visual traits.
The key principles of circularity in buildings, as discussed in Chapter 2, dictate the lay-out of the
framework. First of all, a division was made between a circular material usage part and a circular
design part, in line with the concept of material value and added value. Secondly, for both parts a matrix
was comprised combining system thinking (rows) with lifecycle thinking (columns). Represented in the
rows, the hierarchical systemic levels of circular building design are: building, building systems,
products/components, while the lowest systemic level: materials is part of the circular material usage
part. Lifecycle phases with their general circular strategies: development (refuse/reduce), utility
(maintain/prolong, reuse/redistribute and refurbish/remanufacture) and end-of-life (recover) are
included in the columns. These categorisations are based on the cascading cycles of the butterfly (EMF
et al., 2015b, p.3), and on the work of Reike et al. (2017, p.13).
4.1.2. Selection of the Circularity Strategies
The circular building guidance tool includes circular design strategies and circular material usage
strategies, appearing in literature by Braungart & McDonough (2002), Hobbs & Adams (2017), Reike
et al. (2017), Leising et al. (2017), Luscuere (2016a, 2016b), Moreno et al. (2016), Saidani et al. (2017),
Verberne (2016) and Köhler et al. (2013). A selection of strategies was made, based on relevance to
building design and by reduction of similarities/duplications (tables of strategies appearing in literature
are included in Appendix A and C). These strategies were structured into the framework, as is shown
in Figure 2 (larger images are included in Appendix E and F). They are represented by functional
colouring and contain inspiring images of precedents in order to stimulate architects.
4.1.3. Future Developments of the Tool
The framework proposed in this paper is the bases for a guidance tool for circular buildings. For it to
be operational, it needs a user-friendly interface, easy accessibility and it should contain (at least) one
relevant reference project in every cell. As one of the requirements, the guidance tool proposed is non-
static and can be improved and expanded in the future. For these reasons, a dynamic webpage seems to
be the suitable format for the final version of the guidance tool. This way, its accessibility is guaranteed
and an easy interface can help users (architects) find relevant circular strategies and precedents. The
content of the guide (Appendix B and D) can be updated and expanded by moderators. Additional
functions, such as circular energy usage strategies, circular business model strategies and strategies to
eliminate negative externalities (such as pollution, depletion, toxicity and human and animal
mistreatment) can be added to the tool in the future. Further stimulation for architects can be achieved
through additional visual traits such as icons and schematic images of circular solutions.
4.2. Guide To Use the Tool
The tool can be used by architects at different stages of the design process and for different purposes.
It can serve as an exploratory guide to circular building strategies, by browsing through the different
categories and learning about the different design strategies, supported by inspirational precedents. It
can also serve as a tool to help make a specific design decision or to a come up with a specific design
strategy, based on the object of design's hierarchical level and the targeted phase of the lifecycle.

V. CONCLUSIONS, DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Conclusions
To answer the research question: “How can architects, non-expert to the CE, be stimulated and
systematically guided towards circular design?” a framework for a circular building guidance tool was
developed using a ‘logical argumentation’ method. The framework contains specific strategies for
circular design and circular material usage, combined with relevant reference projects, which are
structured by hierarchical systemic levels and lifecycle phases. This organisation is derived from the
key principles of circularity in buildings, as defined through (academic and non-academic) literature
research on the fundamentals of circularity and the CE, and on assessment methods for circular
performance (Chapter 2). The circular strategies were identified through (academic and non-academic)
literature on design methods for circularity and the CE, and through architectural and non-architectural
case studies of circular design (Chapter 3). A selection was made based on relevance to building design
and by the reduction of duplicates (Chapter 4). The result is a framework that combines theoretical
principles of circularity in buildings with practical precedents, using visual traits (functional colouring
and inspirational images). The framework serves as a basis for the development of a non-static circular
building guidance tool, using the format of a dynamic webpage.
5.2. Discussion
The research question allows for a multitude of possible answers, of which the presented guidance tool
is only one. Further research could be done to validate the effectiveness of this tool in terms of its ability
to 1) systematically guide; and 2) stimulate architects towards circular design. The guidance tool is a
good start for architects to become aware of possibilities for circular strategies, however, this is just one
step in the transition towards a CE. Other key developments include: 1) innovative business models; 2)
new reverse logistics; and 3) CE oriented system conditions; in a combined effort (EMF et al., 2015a,
p.7). Therefore, the guidance tool should cooperate with other tools for these developments. In addition,
circularity in architecture needs assessment metrics to quantify the circularity performance. This way,
the guidance tool, as well as the individual strategies included, can be validated and improved on.
5.3. Recommendations
For the guidance tool to be operational, the following steps should be taken:
• Validation of the working of the guidance tool, through one or more test case design studies;
• The development of a user-friendly interface using the format of a dynamic webpage for easy
accessibility;
• Additions to the content of the tool: at least one relevant precedent for each cell;
• A moderating system has to be developed in order to make future adjustments to the tool based
on new research on circular buildings and new precedents of circular strategies.
Added functionalities to improve the applicability of the tool can be developed in the future, including:
• Validation of the effectiveness of the tool to stimulate and to systematically guide architects
towards circular design;
• Increase the applicability to specific architectural design challenges, by further dividing the
categories of the hierarchical levels into sub-categories. The building systems level could be
split up in six different systems, as described by Brand (1994, p.13), while there are many
possible further sub-categorisations for the products/components level.
• The compatibility of the tool with models for guidance of other aspects of circularity, including
business models; circular energy usage and other negative externalities, such as pollution,
depletion, toxicity and human and animal mistreatment;
• The inclusion or compatibility with assessment metrics of circularity in architecture, in order
to validate and improve circularity strategies.
 VI. LITERATURE LIST
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Recycling (1, 2)
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Business, Innovation and Skills, London
Brand, S. (1994), How Buildings Learn - What Happens After They're Built, Viking, New York
Braungart, M. & McDonough, W. (2002), Cradle to Cradle - Re-Making the Way We Make Things, Vintage
Books, London
Circulardesignguide (n.d.), Understand Circular Flows, Retrieved from
https://www.circulardesignguide.com/post/loops on 12-03-18
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2015), Delivering the Circular Economy – A Toolkit for Policymakers – V1.1
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (n.d. a), Circular Economy System Diagram, Retrieved from
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APPENDIX A – DESIGN STRATEGIES STRUCTURED
APPENDIX B – CONTENT FOR GUIDANCE TOOL CIRCULAR DESIGN
1. Design Strategies for Development Phase
1.1. Refuse / Reduce Design for Refuse and Design for Refuse and Reduce is aimed to reduce the
Input resource use of buildings, systems, products and components, while
maintaining performance. This can be achieved in design by using
regenerated inputs, by efficient design and by the increase of utility, through
sharing economy and collaborative consumption.
Design for Light- Optimised design in order to save material through weight-saving strategies and
Weigting / Miniaturising size reduction strategies.
Design out Waste Reuse waste streams by recovering systems, products and components into the
design.
Design for Eliminating Strategies to reduce and eliminate resource losses in the manufacture process,
Yield Loses and packaging (Moreno et al., 2016, p.7).
Design to Fit Design to Fit is designing on demand or on availability as a way of optimising
systems rather than component (Verberne, 2017, p.19).
Design for Sharing Strategies to increase the utility of the object of design, by more intense use (by
multiple users) and flexible functions.

2. Design Strategies for Utility Phase

2.1. Maintain / Prolong Design for Maintain/Prolong aims to maximise the technical, functional,
Use aesthetical and economic lifetime, by slowing down loops and anticipating
for easy maintenance.
Design for Longevity / Design to last for the appropriate technical (robustness), functional (timeless
Reliability / Durability functionality), aesthetical (timeless aesthetics) and economic (cheap
maintenance) lifetime (Verberne, 2016, p.34-35; Moreno, 2016, p.7).
Design for Repair / Design for easy repairs and maintenance, to extend the technical, functional,
Maintenance aesthetical and economical lifetime.
2.2. Reuse / Design for Reuse is to prepare for reuse of a building, product or component
Redistribute to be reintroduced for the same purpose and in its original form, following
minimal maintenance and cosmetic cleaning (EMF et al., 2015a, p.13).
Sometimes, in order to remain functionality, redistribution is required.
Design for Reuse / Resell In designing to facilitate consecutive use, a level of adaptability is required, in
particular versatility (shape/space lends itself for alternative use); redundancy
(structural elements can bear larger loads than were originally imposed)
(Verberne, 2017, p.41-42).
Design for Reassemble / lDesign for Reuse in a different location. Transport is key, therefore reassembly
Redistribute strategies could be considered.
Design for PSS (Product- Designing for dematerialising products by facilitat-ing leasing, swapping, renting
Service-System) / and sharing services, in order to increase utility and reuse (Moreno, 2016, p.7).
Leasing
2.3. Refurbish / Design for Refurbish/Remanufacture aims to facilitate getting objects back
Remanufacture to good working condition, good as new condition or even improved.
Design for Refurbish / Design for Refurbishment (or restoration in architecture) is the anticipation for
Restoration returning a product to good working condition by replacing or repairing major
components that are faulty or close to failure and making cosmetic changes to
update the appearance of a product, such as changing fabric or painting (EMF et
al., 2015a, p.13).
Design for Design for Remanufacture (or renovation in architecture) is the anticipation for
Remanufacture / disassembly and recovery at the sub-assembly or lower hierarchical level.
Renovation / Functioning, reusable parts can easily be taken out of a used product and rebuilt
Upgradability
 into a new one. This process provides quality assurance and potential
enhancements or changes to the components (EMF et al., 2015a, p.13).
Design for Modularity / Design for Modularity is a strategy of standardisation to improve the flexibility
Adaptability of the product by ensuring its adaptability to suit different requirements in the
future. Principles include versa-tility (shape/space lends itself for alternative
use); redundancy (structural elements can bear larger loads than were originally
imposed); independence (features that permit removal or up-grade without
affecting the performance of connected systems). Modularity also facilitates in-
terchangeability, allowing for reuse of parts elsewhere (Verberne, 2017, p.41).

3. Design Strategies for End-Of-Life Phase

3.1. Recover Output Design for Recover aims to substitute the end-of-life phase by recovering
strategies for the outputs, in order to eliminate landfill (Moreno et al., 2016,
p.2). This is done by anticipating the reuse of the outputs through cascading
of hierarchical levels. If a building cannot be reused as a whole, individual
systems, products or components can be reused / redistributed in a
functional way and as a last resort the materials can be recycled (EMF et al.,
2015a, p.13).
Design for Disassembly / Principles for Design for Disassemby include (visual, physical and ergonomical)
Reversibility / Reverse accessibility of connections; elimination of chemical connections (binders,
Logistics sealers and glues) in favour of mechanical connections (bolted, screwed and
nailed connections); separation of (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems;
and design to the worker and labour of separation (using manageable scale
components) (Verberne, 2017, p.41).
Design for Resource Reuse of the outputs through cascading of hierarchical levels is ensured by
Conservation designing for easy end-of-life cleaning, collection and transportation of
recovered parts and materials (Moreno et al., 2016, p.7).

4. Reference Projects For Circular Design

Design for Light- RAU - Liander Headquarters (office building renovation)
Weigting / Miniaturising The resource input for the steel roof structure over the existing buildings was
- Building Systems Level reduced through clever engineering by rollercoaster engineers (lightweight
structure experts).
Design out Waste – ABT - The Circular Garage Box (garage building reassembly)
Building Level As an experiment for reassembly of existing buildings, this project started with
deconstructing and moving the garage boxes, which would otherwise be
demolished, to the new site. There, the building was reassembled by reusing the
harvested components. During this final step lessons were learned about the
reuse of materials, for example the usage of old electricity cables. After
completion, The Circulair Garage Box will function as an office, workshop and
storage for project of the TU Delft (stichtingmilieunet.nl).
Design out Waste – Doepelstrijkers - Haka Recycle Office (interior office building)
Building Systems Level Both waste materials from demolition sites and waste products from production
processes were harvested, transported and processed in the HAKA building to
form the new interior elements (doepelstrijkers.com).
Design for Longevity / The Agency of Design - Optimist Toaster (product design)
Reliability / Durability - This toaster aims to overcome the obsolescence of products. It is meant to last for
Product / Component generations. Therefore it is made from sturdy materials and everything is very
Level simple so that it does not break. The toaster can come apart very easily to replace
components if necessary. It is styled to age well and has some specific features to
celebrate its age, like a toasting counter.
Design for Reassemble / MoodBuilders - Heijmans One House (house new build)
Redistribute – Building The house is designed to be used temporarily, to quickly reduce the demand in a
Level temporarily available area. It can be reassembled and can be transported in large
parts over the road.
Design for PSS (Product- The Agency of Design - Pragmatist Toaster (product design)
Service-System) / This toaster utilises the direct connection between manufacturer and consumer. It
Leasing - Product / is modular so it can be any size needed. If a part fails, the rest of the toaster still
Component Level works, the user can send the broken piece to the manufacturer and it will be
replaced. Each part is designed to fit in a mailbox so that this process is easy. It
should never end up in a bin. As the ownership shifts to the manufacturer, this
leads to a very clear set of design requirements: simple construction, reusable
parts and standardised materials. The toaster only uses one type of polymers so
that it can be recycled up to nine times. On the bottom a tag shows the user how
many of these cycles have passed (agencyofdesign.co.uk).
Design for Disassembly / ARUP - Circular Pavilion (pavilion building new build)
Reversibility / Reverse The aim was to design a building where after its use all the materials could be re-
Logistics - Building used, re-manufactured or re-cycled. Wet fixations were avoided throughout.
Level Instead clamp fixations are used, for example for the a self-supporting insulated
wall-panel system (circularbuilding.arup.com).
Design for Disassembly / The Agency of Design - Realist Toaster (product design)
Reversibility / Reverse This toaster is aimed at the bottom of the market. After its use, it can easily be
Logistics – Product / separated using a vacuum chamber, so that as little labour as possible is required
Component Level for recycling.
APPENDIX C – MATERIAL USAGE STRATEGIES STRUCTURED
APPENDIX D – CONTENT FOR GUIDANCE TOOL CIRCULAR MATERIAL USAGE
1. Material Usage Strategies for Development Phase
1.1. Refuse / Reduce Refuse and reduce the virgin material input by substituting it with recycled
Input materials. In some cases, remining (gathering feedstocks from landfills) can
be considered as a material source, but for this process human health has to
be considered (Reike et al., 2017).
Reuse Materials Refuse and reduce the virgin material input by substituting it with recycled
materials. In some cases, remining (gathering feedstocks from landfills) can be
considered as a material source, but for this process human health has to be
considered.
Optimise Manufacture Reduce the virgin material input by selecting (materials that exploit) an efficient
Process manufacture process, in order to minimise losses in the process of harvesting,
transportation and manufacture.

2. Material Usage Strategies for Utility Phase

2.1. Prolong Use Use materials that can last the required lifespan, given the expected
conditions of use.
Durable Materials Use materials with limited degradation and wear/decay, in order to provide the
required functional, technical, aesthetical and economical lifetime.

3. Material Usage Strategies for End-Of-Life Phase

3.1. Recover Output Select materials using precautionary principles: materials that are chosen
with consideration for future impacts and that have high quality will retain
value and/or be more feasible for reuse and recycling (Verberne, 2017, p.41).
The biosphere and technosphere are both good sources for reclaiming
materials. However, in practice, many times they are wrongly combined into
‘hybrids’. When a biological material is inseparably combined with a
technical material, the ability for natural breaking down or safely
combusting of the biological part is lost. It is contaminated with elements
from the technical cycle and will cause pollution or even toxicity. Meanwhile
the technical part cannot be recycled to its previous quality because it is
contaminated with biological elements that will weaken it. As such, these
hybrids should be avoided (Braungart & McDonough, 2007, p. 122-145).
Recyclable / Renewable Use technical materials that can be recycled (recovered for the original purpose
Materials or for other purposes). Avoid downcycling (a lower quality residue is achieved),
but pursue upcycling (increase the material quality) instead. The materials
recovered feed back into the process as crude feedstock. Recycling excludes
energy recovery. In the biological cycles, non-toxic materials are restored into
the biosphere while rebuilding natural capital (renew) (EMF).
Materials for Recycling Use materials that can be easily identified and separated. Anticipate the recycling
Infrastructure / infrastructure, at general demolition sites only few materials are separated to be
Separability recycled.

4. Reference Projects For Circular Material Usage

Reuse Materials – Dirk Vander Kooij – Endless Chair (furniture design)
Technical Cycles Using a self-engineered 3D printer, design furniture is manufactured from 96%
recycled plastics (coming from old refrigerators). As this feedstock comes in
different colours, every piece is an industrially produced ‘one-of-a-kind’
(dirkvanderkooij.com).
Durable Materials – The Agency of Design - Optimist Toaster (product design)
Technical Cycles This toaster aims to overcome the obsolescence of products. It is meant to last for
generations. Therefore it is made from sturdy materials and everything is very
 simple so that it does not break. The case is made from (recycled) cast
aluminium as it is very well recyclable and will hold its value far into the future.
Recyclable / Renewable Finch Buildings - Finch Modules (house new build)
Materials – Biological The house was designed to be high quality, affordable, durable housing for semi-
Cycles temporary use. The units are made mostly of wood, the structure is cross-
laminated timber, the cladding western red cedar wood. This way, they are
renewable. It is supposed to be fully circular.
Materials for Recycling The Agency of Design – Pragmatist Toaster (product design)
Infrastructure / This toaster utilises the direct connection between manufacturer and consumer. It
Separability – Technical should never end up in a bin. As the ownership shifts to the manufacturer, this
Cycles leads to a very clear set of design requirements: simple construction, reusable
parts and standardised materials. The toaster only uses one type of polymers so
that it can be recycled up to nine times. On the bottom a tag shows the user how
many of these cycles have passed.
APPENDIX E – IMPRESSION OF THE GUIDANCE TOOL FOR CIRCULAR BUILDINGS
1. Framework for the Circular Design Guidance Tool
2. Circular Design Reference Project
APPENDIX F – IMPRESSION OF THE GUIDANCE TOOL FOR CIRCULAR BUILDINGS
1. Framework for the Circular Material Usage Guidance Tool
2. Circular Material Usage Reference Project