PhD student Research on Mass Timber Buildings: Linking Design for Circularity Strategies and Environmental Impact

The construction sector remains one of the largest contributors to environmental impact, responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, there is growing interest in renewable, lower-impact construction materials, particularly wood-based solutions. Additionally, circular construction practices present a promising alternative to the established linear methods, with the potential to significantly reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. However, the implementation of Design for Circularity strategies in mass timber buildings and the evaluation of its environmental benefits over extended lifespans remain underexplored. This PhD research project aims to bridge the gap between architectural design, construction, circularity, and the environmental impact of mass timber buildings. It will focus on the circularity assessment and life cycle assessment of mass timber-based buildings, particularly in mid-rise constructions. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the research will critically examine the environmental benefits and potential of transitioning from traditional linear construction practices to circular. Key research areas include: Circularity Assessment: Investigating design for adaptability, deconstruction/disassembly, reuse, and other circular strategies to extend the lifespan of mass timber buildings and optimize resource efficiency. Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluating the environmental impacts of mass timber buildings across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life and beyond. End-of-Life Scenarios: Analyzing the deconstruction, disassembly, and reuse potential of mass timber structures to better understand their long-term sustainability and resource recovery potential. Research by design to apply and validate the new fundamental knowledge gained in relation to the development of better integrated design for circularity approaches for mass timber buildings. This project will be developed in collaboration with international partners in Europe, North America and Australia, requiring the successful candidate to engage with experts and stakeholders globally.