A sustainable and reusable concrete facade system: An approach to improve the use of concrete in the Dutch housing market

Concrete is one of the most used and energy-demanding materials in the world and unfortunately it is currently not being used optimally, while it has a long lifespan and the potential to be reused. Also, because the Netherlands has the ambition to build 1 million houses by 2030, it offers the opportunity to tackle the concrete in the Dutch housing sector and apply the concept of reuse and standardization. This study aims to contribute to a more sustainable built environment and to provide a design tool on how to design a sustainable and reusable concrete facade system. Through literature study and analyses of case studies, the most important design criteria have been set up that focuses on the aspects of building efficiency, standardization, sustainability and adaptability. The three main strategies that have been used that summarize these criteria and form the final design strategy are: Rethink, Reduce and Reuse. The process begins with Rethink. Firstly, designing the facade system for repeated use, through standardization, and finding the best suitable dimensions for the facade system. Secondly, by increasing its functional flexibility and adaptability by designing it for multiple uses and target audiences. The second strategy, Reduce, helps the design to reduce waste, material and CO2 emissions. Firstly, by researching how to make concrete more sustainable. Secondly, by building lightweight through the use of a lightweight shape and material, such as lightweight aggregate concrete. At last, the strategy of Reuse will come into play where modularity forms the basis for a reusable design that focuses on the building efficiency by means of the concept of design for disassembly. As a result, these strategies conclude in a final design strategy that consists of a decision chart that guides the architect or client and offers multiple options for building systems. This enables the architect or client to have design freedom while providing an easy guide that helps to choose a building system. In order to successfully implement a sustainable and reusable concrete facade system, it is recommended to present a good business case that focuses on the barriers of reuse and how these can be best resolved.Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology | Sustainable Desig