Steel prototype building demonstrates sustainable approach

A steel-framed prototype building, being exhibited as part of the London Design Festival, is demonstrating the viability of a circular sustainable economy within the construction industry.

Known as the Circular Building, the project has been designed and delivered with 100% components and materials that can be reused, re-manufactured or recycled.

Arup Director Stuart Smith said: “The circular economy is all about tackling waste in the construction sector, all of this building’s components can be dismantled and then returned to the supply chain to be reused.”

In conjunction with BAM Construction, Arup decided that a steel frame was the best and most sustainable solution for the single storey house.

“We didn’t want bespoke steelwork, we just wanted to use whatever the supplier had in its stockyard so the project could get under way quickly,” added Mr Smith.

Consequently ArcelorMittal supplied larger sections than would have ordinarily been used for a single storey dwelling.

Lindapter was contacted to design and supply the connection system that was used to secure the building’s roof panels, wall panels, and glazing supports to the structural steel frame.

Engineers from Lindapter’s technical support team detailed four bespoke connection designs utilising the CE Marked Type B steelwork fixing, which contractors subsequently used to quickly construct the major elements of the building envelope.

In keeping with the principles of the circular economy, all of Lindapter’s products are said to provide flexibility, longevity, ease of deconstruction and the potential to be reused or recycled.

Project Architect Simon Anson of Arup Associates commented: “The circular economy provides an opportunity for all of us to rethink how we can create a future that values natural capital, improves humanity and leaves a better world for future generations.

“It challenges us to rethink how we live, own, design and build our communities, towns and cities.”