Circular Economy in Architecture: Mastering the Art of Sustainable Reuse and Adaptive Design
Aug 13, 2025
Imagine an old, worn factory decaying along the industrial landscape of a town. It seems the only logical choice would be to tear it down. Yet, when you consider circular economy architecture, there’s a vibrant new beginning for such a space.
That’s exactly what happened at Site Verrier de Meisenthal. Located in Northern Vosges National Park in France, it’s a spectacle like no other. This publicly funded active cultural centre was once a glass factory. The project took the 18th-century factory, which was far outdated and no longer useful, and brought it back to life.
Photo: Arthur Crestani
Today, the former glass factory is a multifunctional cultural centre. There’s a glass museum on the grounds. But it’s also home to rotating art installations. Concerts happen here, too. It is the ideal example of adaptive reuse. It honours the site’s industrial heritage. The strong, concrete lines bring home that feel. Yet, it’s also a hub for exhibitions and performances.
Site Verrier is the ideal example of architectural circular economy. New life is brought into a long-forgotten and seemingly necessary to demolition property.
What is a circular economy? Why does it matter from the aspect of architecture?
It is a regenerative system that contrasts with the traditional linear construction model. That model – build, use, demolish – is no longer ideal from a sustainability perspective. Instead, circular architecture enables materials and buildings to be designed for longevity. It will, ultimately, be reused for another purpose. Then, when that is no longer ideal, the property is recycled. The process minimises waste and protects the planet.
It's certainly easier to tear down and start over. Seasoned architects know the circular economy in architecture matters. By adopting these principles, you enhance your professional reputation. And, as tightening regulations focus more heavily on eco-friendly building, adaptive reuse simply makes sense. It also enables you to fulfil ethical responsibilities to reduce resource depletion and carbon emissions.
Understanding Circular Economy in Architecture Context
The use of recycled materials isn’t new. Neither is the objective to incorporate eco-friendly heating and cooling. The circular economy in architecture presents a distinct approach to the process. It’s about designing buildings and systems that focus on efficiency.
That’s not about creating boring structures or square boxes. Rather, the focus is on reuse and regeneration over the extract, use, and dispose model. But what do all of these terms actually mean?
The focus of sustainability is on reducing negative impacts. The construction process is sustainable when we avoid using large equipment in sensitive environments.
Circularity is on closing material loops. It’s about ensuring those resources we’ve already obtained are continuously cycled through the process again.
Adaptive reuse is a practical method within circularity. It’s about repurposing existing structures for a new use.
The difference may seem minor. It’s quite powerful, in actuality. Consider this.
A third of all waste generated in the EU is construction and demolition waste. That’s concrete, bricks, metals, plastics, and glass. It’s produced specifically from the demolition of buildings, often to make way for new structures. Those new structures will use more materials.
Many projects around the globe are beginning to see the value of adaptive reuse. Consider Resource Rows. It’s a residential project constructed largely from materials salvaged from demolished buildings. It’s a project that took the dismantled structures of buildings – the building blocks, if you will – and transformed them into a residential space. Built in 2019 in Oerestad, Copenhagen, the project is an incredible example of adaptive reuse.
Photo by: Upcycle Studios
Upcycle Studios is another example in Copenhagen. The award-winning project was built from recycled concrete and repurposed double-glazing windows. Discarded flooring boards helped create the durability here. The result? 3,000 m2 row houses that save 45% CO2 and turn 1,000 tons of waste into building materials.
The Role of Recycled and Reusable Materials
To function as it does, the circular economy must look at materials in new ways. Consider some of the most important materials for adaptive reuse.
Recycled concrete: Data indicates that recycled concrete aggregate reduces energy consumption by 85% and CO2 emissions by as much as 90%. It’s simply the use of metro construction waste. Done through carbonisation, silica gel treatment, and bio-deposition, it improves the compressive strength of the surface by as much as 42%.
Reclaimed Timber: Aesthetically, the look and feel of reclaimed timber adds charge and character. Yet, it’s just as durable and strong. Yet, when we consider the energy consumed in producing virgin framing lumber and wood flooring compared to using reclaimed wood, the difference is 11 and 13 times improved. The use of manufacturing off-cuts alone can offer a significant benefit.
Bio-based insulation: Imagine using denim jeans to produce insulation. Bio-based insulation uses natural, renewable resources as an alternative to fibreglass or mineral wool. It lowers the environmental impact and may even enhance air quality.
Consider some of the most invigorating examples of such projects. Amsterdam’s Circl Pavilion was built with recycled wood. Window frames from old offices worked just as well. Insulation? That was made from 16,000 pairs of old jeans. Tiled floors were made using reused concrete with added phase-changing materials to improve the climate.
Denmark’s Upcycle Studios is another example, as noted earlier. The recycled concrete and reused wood provide the same benefits in functionality. They protect the environment throughout the process.
There Are Challenges to the Process
It’s critical to be realistic. Some challenges exist to the circular economy architecture that require creative thinking.
Sourcing challenges exist. For example, having a reliable supply of quality reclaimed materials is challenging simply because it is not a widespread application (yet). This can improve over time as more focus on adaptive reuse becomes obvious.
Material longevity is a factor. In some cases, reused material may not last as long as a newly manufactured product. Not always the case, and certainly still with merit, it is important to consider the durability and performance of such materials. This requires careful examination before such materials are implemented.
Regulatory approval can be a concern. As with most other areas of architectural innovation, governments must keep up with the times. Codes and standards may require additional documentation to ensure that non-traditional materials meet expectations for safety and function.
Cost implications are a consideration. Upfront costs may be higher in sourcing and applying adaptive reuse materials. However, in nearly all cases, lifecycle costs are often lower due to material savings and reduced waste disposal fees.
Slow-moving changes like these can still carry a significant benefit to project success. In other words, architects who embrace new strategies for circular economy architecture help to build the industry from the ground up.
Adaptive Reuse – The Architectural Renaissance
Adaptive reuse is a profoundly valuable change in architectural influence. Years ago, the term applied to just the preservation of structures. Today, we focus on taking worn buildings and turning them into tools for sustainability, economic advantage, and community revitalisation. The best way to see the benefits it offers is to look at some examples.
Industrial Heritage Turned Into Vibrant Community Spaces
Vienna gasometers
Gasometers of Vienna
An excellent example of an industrial area becoming community-oriented is the Gasometers of Vienna. Step into the history of Vienna, Austria, with this marvellous building in the 11th district. The area has four gasholder houses. Each was built from 1896 through 1899. They were used until 1984 to house gas holders. When the community went to natural gas, the gasholder houses fell into disuse.
The city took to redeveloping the area. In 1995, architects were assigned to each of the structures. They divided them into living apartments at the top. Under that were working spaces. Along the street were entertainment and shopping spaces. The exterior was conserved. The result? A spectacle of architectural ingenuity that applied the principles of adaptive reuse highly effectively.
The High Line in New York City
Another example is The High Line in New York. Today, it is a beautiful park run by the city. But it has a long and storied history. In the mid-1800s, freight trains on street-level tracks ran through the area. Too dangerous for pedestrians, in 1924, the tracks were removed, and an elevated rail line was put into place. By 1934, it was transporting millions of tons of produce throughout the region.
The trucking industry led to a significant reduction in the use of the rail line. By 1983, it was no longer in use. Left to decay, portions were demolished over time to make way for warehouses. It sat for decades like this, an eyesore. Numerous prospective ideas to transform the space always included demolition until a group decided to transform the space instead.
Now, it is a 1.45-mile-long greenway. It has more than 500 species of plants and trees growing along it. Public spaces and gardens enable the implementation of public programs. There is artwork displayed, and a performance happens. It’s all free to the public.
The transformation of such structures is one that must meld several core aspects:
Historical preservation constraints can limit the modernisation of some structures.
Structural integrity factors must be thought of and planned for around such historical limitations
Design limitations within the environment must also be a factor
Yet, adaptive reuse offers significant benefits. It takes back the old and worn and gives it new life. In return, there’s sustainability and community engagement.
Circular Economy as a Design Philosophy
For architects, it’s quite the story to tell. Consider a philosophical exploration of what each structure has to offer and what story it has to tell on its own. The circularity of this process can help to encourage and spur design thinking. What can that old, worn factory do for the community? Imagine the people walking through its walls. Consider the role the structure played in the community's development.
It’s remarkable how much influence the building’s previous uses can have on the design process, from inception to execution.
Consider a quote from William McDonough, author of “Cradle to Cradle.” He says, “Cradle to Cradle” is in counterpoint to “Cradle to Grave.” It essentially suggests that if we view everything as a take, make, and waste system, then it’s a one-way system. Whereas if we think about things having multiple lives, cradle to cradle, we could design things that can go back to either nature or back to industry forever.”
Circular economy expert Duncan Baker-Brown shares, “We have an opportunity to lead this embryonic industry – it would be a massive loss if we leave it to others who see it as simply applying external wall insulation and solar panels to our homes and workplaces. We need our community of architects and engineers to provide creative, diverse, cost-effective, and impactful solutions to this challenge, and it is often small practices that are already well-versed in doing just this.”
From an architect’s point of view, consider what playing a role in the circular economy in architecture can do.
It’s a brand differentiator. As consumers prioritise the value of adaptive reuse, they will seek out those specialised in this area.
Challenge your architectural skill and creativity. The challenges enable architects to use their creative talents to tackle community needs.
Project narratives enable architects to leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
It’s an influence on the future. Imagine demonstrating how recycled materials can be used in such a way to add value not just now but for decades to come.
Navigating Regulations and Certifications
The complexity of the circular economy architecture is the need to manage the rapidly changing regulations in the industry. It will be important for architects to learn and think outside of the box to find new strategies that meld safety and expectations for well-being with the circular concept.
Yet, numerous frameworks already exist to push the envelope. Evolving global regulations and certifications, such as the following, are already supporting the movement. That includes:
LEED: LEED v4.1 credits support the advancement and development of a closed-loop economy. It rewards organisations that apply the use of recycled materials to reduce their carbon footprints. LEED advances the circular economy with credits for optimisation of building use, building products, and materials. From construction to waste management, the necessary infrastructure is already in place to support such a move.
BREEAM: BREEAM certification embeds circularity into the green economy context of its processes. It focuses heavily on waste reduction and resource efficiency.
EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan: The circular economy action plan targets how products are designed, but promises a circular economy in all aspects.
In each of these areas, regulations are already in place to support growth. They are already working towards providing architects with an opportunity to fully embrace what the circular economy has to offer.
Architects can leverage these frameworks to support their projects. Instead of seeing regulatory restrictions, these frameworks can support adaptive reuse and help project owners reclaim certification and recognition for their work. The work is already done, and the resources are available through these organisations. It is a matter of adoption and education.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Today’s society wants to embrace environmental benefits. Yet, economic factors matter. Finding a balance in the circular economy architecture framework is essential. Consider the benefits possible when adaptive reuse and circular economy architecture become the focus.
Economic Benefits
Any project must fulfil basic economic benefits to be worthy of consideration. The reality is, the building must function. It must meet user needs. It has to fit the budget.
For circular economy architecture to become more mainstream, it must focus on economic outcomes. So, what are the financial implications?
Reduction in costs. The reduction in costs is numerous in adaptive reuse. There is no need to invest in new land acquisition.. That means less money spent on reading and demolition work. An overall 6% reduction in acquisition and maintenance costs is likely when an existing land and structure plan is in place.
Increased value of production. The residual material value and reduced deconstruction and landfill costs make sense. Products and services increase in value with the application of reuse strategies.
Market differentiation. Projects marketed as sustainable with such influence on environmental benefits are likely to stand out. That could lead to rapid sales. More community buy-in makes such projects a success.
It will be critical to consider strategies and individual plans. Economic benefits are only possible after a feasibility study indicates they are possible on the specific project.
Environmental Benefits
The benefits of circular architecture focus heavily on the environmental implications. This is the known value impact of applying the circular economy to the construction industry. Consider how, though.
Reduction in carbon emissions and waste. This is by far the bottom line figure. Any project that does not reduce the emissions produced is not structured fundamentally well. The reduction of virgin material use and minimisation of waste are also fundamental components of the circular economy.
Reduction in biodiversity loss. Another core benefit is a bigger picture vision. By reusing structures, we leave nature in place more commonly. That means there is less damage to the world’s biodiversity. Natural resources remain protected.
Material transparency improvement is possible. When it is understood where the material comes from, being reused, there’s more buy-in to the process.
These details, shared by the WBCSD report, show that there is value in this process. The report also makes it clear that the construction industry is consuming over half of all of the virgin resources in the world. At the same time, it produces 40% of all global emissions.
The World Economic Forum shares that the circular economy could reduce 75% of the built environment’s carbon emissions.
Studies reported by the Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research show that the transition from a linear economic system to that of a circular model has the potential to be lucrative. It could generate US$4.5 trillion in economic growth by as early as 2030. At the same time, it will save $700 billion in global consumer spending.
The value is there. The question is, how do you embrace it?
Practical Steps for Implementing Circular Principles
Take a walk within the community you wish to focus your efforts on. No projects in mind. Just take a look. Notice the old buildings that are no longer in use. Seek out those rail structures that have no purpose but are too costly to simply tear down. What could become of them?
For the architect, there is an important creative component to this process. Yet, consider a few helpful steps to putting the circular economy architecture in place.
Identify suitable properties: Not all structures allow for adaptive reuse. The existing building stock and local material flows must be a core consideration to start this process.
Create a checklist for the suitability and safety of reused materials from the project: Be thorough in the documentation of these materials. Apply any necessary testing to the process. Factor in the costs and timeline implications.
Collaborate. Work closely with material suppliers, engineers, and regulators. Demonstrate to them what the project opportunities are. Showcase to these professionals what the process looks like and the benefits earned. This could help streamline approvals while ensuring quality control.
Sustainable architecture is not a future goal. Rather, architectural sustainability is a “new need” and even a resolution to increasing problems. It is more than simple material reuse, though. Consider how to apply this strategy to your current project.
Envisioning an Architectural Future
The transformative potential of the circular economy is simply mesmerising. Consider the role you will play in this process. The circular economy aims to redefine the value of architecture. Instead of a functional space that looks good, it must be more encompassing. It must benefit the planet, society, and the profession as a whole.
As an architect, it’s time to consider how regenerative design, material passports, and digital platforms for material exchange can lead the way in supporting this culture of change. Watch us here as we break down the opportunities in each of these areas.
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