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WP3
Reversible Building Design

Reversible Building design guidelines

Report Code: WP3ǀ10ǀUT

Author Dr. Elma Durmisevic,

University of Twente

March 2018
REVERSIBLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES and
PROTOCOL
Dr.Elma Durmisevic,

At the time of diminishing of resources and increase of environmental problems, it has become crucial
to understand the capacities of buildings to transform a negative environmental impact of built
environment to a positive one. The question is: how does one transform the current linear approach to
design of buildings that has one ‘end-of-life’ option (demolition) to a circular design solution that will
guarantee multiple life options of the building as well as of its systems, products and materials? This
chapter looks into three dimensions of transformation (1) dimension of spatial flexibility of building; (2)
dimension of technical flexibility of systems and product; and (3) dimension for material flexibility that
can make a transition from a linear to circular building. Buildings designed with three dimensions of
transformation open opportunities for a great palette of new value propositions of buildings and its
systems, products and materials. Those buildings are called reversible buildings. Durmisevic 2017
LEVELS OF REVERSIBILITY
‘Reversibility’ is defined as process of transforming buildings or dismantling its systems, products and
materials without causing damage. Building design that can support such processes is reversible (circular)
building design (RBD) and can be seen as key ‘accelerant’ of Circular Economy in construction. Reversible
Building Design is therefore seen as a design that takes into account all life cycle phases of the building
and focuses on their future use scenarios. Design solutions that can guarantee high reuse potential of the
building, systems, products and materials and that have high transformation potential are described as
reversible. A key element of RBD is design for disassembly, which allows for easy modifications of spatial
typologies and disassembly of building parts.

Disassembly, adaptability and reuse form the nucleus of three dimensions of reversibility and as such
determine spatial and structural levels of reversible buildings.

The guidelines in this document address design aspects and protocol for reversible buildings and covers
design aspects which deal with Spatial reversibility, spatial dimension and Technical reversibility which
covers structural and material dimension of reversibility.
INTEGRATED DESIGN PROTOCOL
Integrated Design protocol integrates aspects of spatial transformation and building level reversibility
with technical aspects related to the recovery and high reuse potential of products. These have been
presented in the figure below. Aspects defining the building level transformation capacity of space are
part of the feasibility design phase and are being further defined during the preliminary design phase.

Figure : Reversible building protocol integrating spatial and technical aspects of reversibility.
SPATIAL REVERSIBILITY,
The spatial and building related transformation as a change of the building function and its impact on the
building structure are analyzed during feasibility and preliminary design phase. Design process analyses
the capacity of space and structure to accommodate different functions without causing major
reconstruction works, demolition and material loss. The less effort needed to transform a building, the
higher transformation potential it will have. The greater the variety and number of modification options
(reuse options of buildings), the higher the transformation potential. Three major types of
transformations are identified: mono functional transformation options, trans-functional transformation
options, and multidimensional transformation options which integrate the above two as well as
exchangeability and relocation (named transformable option). See below:

1. Mono-functional: transformation in mono functional context

Buildings in this category have capacity to transform layout typology within one function as for
example office building can transform layout form cell office type to open office type or to meeting
room office type, without extensive reconstruction procedures and effort. Or an housing block has
capacity to transform family apartments into studio apartments or apartment for disabled without
extensive reconstruction procedure.

cell meeting open

office office office

2. Trans functional: transformation in trans functional context

Buildings in this category have capacity to transform from one function to another, as for
example office can be transformed into apartment and classroom without extensive
reconstruction procedures and effort.
 house office school

3. Transformable: fully transformable buildings

Fully transformable buildings can be transformed form one function to another and at the same
time can be extended, shrink or relocated to other location

extend/
office small house big shrink/
replace

Transformation capacity masseurs the effort needed to transform the buildings as well as the of type and
number of options ( as presented in previous report).
In that respect if building has no transformation scenarios as an option it has the lowest score. Further on
the three transformation categories are defined form low transformation potential to high transformation
potential as illustrated in the figure bellow.

Relations between the transformation potential and type of transformation are presented in the figure
below.

Figure: Relations between the scores and type of transformation.

Design indicators of spatial reverisbility

DesignParameters that have impact on transofrmation potential are: building typology, dimansions of the
buidling block, core position and distance between the cores, type of the loadbering system, method of
constrution, floor to ceiling hight and window openings.
Espataily the following combinations of the design parameter will impact the ability of building to be
transofmed.
The following combinations have been made to specify the rules that will determine transformation
capacity (Durmisevic 2009, 2016, 2017):

1. Tropology in combination with the depth and with of the block (relation to the natural light)

2. Typology in combination with the type and position of the core, block dimension and distances
between the cores

3. Typlogly in relation to the core, block dimension, strutural system and method of constrution

4. Floor to ceiling height in combination to the block dimension, type of the construction, floor
thickens and façade opening
LEVELS OF TECHNICAL DECOMPOSITION
Designations such as system, subsystem, component is relative. A subsystem at one level is a component
at another level. Reversible buildings recognize three levels of technical composition/decomposition is:

• Building level represents the arrangement of systems, which are carriers of main building
functions (load bearing construction, enclosure, partitioning, and servicing),
• System level represents the arrangement of components, which are carriers of the system
functions (bearing, finishing, servicing) - the sub-functions of the building.
• Component level represents the arrangement of elements and materials, which are carriers of
component functions, ( such as bearing, finishing, servicing component) (Durmisevic, 2006).

Functional decomposition

Figure: Hierarchy of levels of technical decomposition of reversible buildings (Durmisevic, 2006)

REVERSIBLE BUILDING DESIGN DOMAINS
technical reversibility

Reversibility of building structure is defined by three design domains; namely functional,

technical and physical design domains:

• Functional domain: deals with functional decomposition and allocation of functions into
separate materials, which have different changing rates. This domain defines functional
dependences
• Technical decomposition deals with hierarchical arrangement of the building materials,
and relations as well as with hierarchical dependences between material levels.
• Physical domain deals with interfaces that define physical integrity and dependences of
the structure.

Reversible configuration is regarded as the process of creating an arrangement from a given set
of elements by defining the relationships between selected elements and their functions in a way
that will satisfy requirements and constrains for disassembly, reuse and transformation.
During reversible configuration design, a designer allocates functions to a sets of elements and
determines their relations. As a design activity, configuration design can be seen as an activity
concerned with different relationships and interdependencies. Defined set of relations and ele-
ments result in the physical state of the structure, which informs us how performance
requirements are translated into materials, and how materials are integrated into a system or a
building. Ultimately this will determine structure’s reversibility. ( Durimisevic 2006)

KEY INDICATORS OF REVERSIBILITY

Two key indicators of reversibility of building structure are Independence and exchangeability of
building systems/components.
Independency
Independency addresses mainly functional independence and creates an environment in which
assembly, transformation and disassembly of one functional cluster can be realized without
affecting the other.
Exchangeability
Exchangeability addresses technical and physical independence and creates the environment in
which systems/components/elements can be disassembled without damaging surrounding parts
of the structure and providing potential for their reuse in other context. Number and hierarchy
of physical relations as well as interface typology that increases reuse potential are essential.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR REVERSIBLE BUILDING STRUCTURE

In order to design reversible structures that stimulate conscious handling of raw materials and
provide high level of transformation and reuse, the following requirements should be fulfilled:
• Accessibility,
• variation,
• reuse,
• replaceability,
• reconfiguration, and
• recycling
A structure can be reversed if its elements/component/systems are defined as independent parts
of a building structure, and if their interfaces are designed for exchangeability. Independence of
parts is determined primarily by functional design domains, which deal with design of material
levels of technical composition of building and specification of independent material clusters.
Exchangeability of parts is defined predominantly by technical and physical design domains that
deal with hierarchical order of elements within structures, and with connections between
elements.

Design aspects that have influence on decision-making during design of reversible structures.:
1. functional decomposition,
2. systematisation and clustering,
3. hierarchical relations between elements,
4. base element specification,
5. assembly sequences,
6. interface geometry,
7. type of the connections, and
8. life cycle co-ordination in assembly/disassembly.

Unlike conventional structures in which design deals with functional, technical, and physical
composition, the design of reversible structures considers functional, technical, and physical
decomposition.
Depending on the view we are looking at reversible structure ( whether with the focus on reuse
of elements or focus on transformation of structure) impact factors of the criteria measuring
functional, technical and physical dependences will differ. ( see figure billow)
 TRANSFORMATION
CAPACITY
REUSE POTENTIAL

REVERSIBLE BUILDING DESIGN PROTOCOLS

1. FUNCTIONAL DECOMPOSITION

Functional Separation

A building component can be taken from a building, if it is defined as an independent part of the
building’s structure. The first step that must be made is to subdivide the building into different
sections that have different performances and different life cycles.
Four main building functions are: supporting, enclosing, servicing, and partitioning. Each of these
can further be subdivided into subsections (subsystems) such as: foundation, frame, floor,
façade, roof, inner walls, ventilation, heating system, water system, electrical system, etc.
Each of these functions has different behaviors, and provides different effects such as: heating,
reflecting, distributing, ventilating, lighting, or deals with effects such as tension, compression,
etc. Therefore, integration of two or more functions into one component can freeze
transformations that may be needed to address new user requirements. Different functions may
have different life cycles.
Functional autonomy Incorporation provides a partial dependency between independent functions
by planned or unplanned interpenetration of components having different functions.
This means that relocation or resizing of components that have one function influences the
integrity of other components that have other functions.

Incorporation of independent functions, result in the following strategies: Total integration,

planned interpenetration, unplanned interpenetration, total separation. For example,
integration between structure and services:
Strategy 1:
total separation or zoning (modular zoning)
Strategy 2:
planned interpenetration of installations and load-bearing elements, such as: pre-made holes,
and voids made especially for services.
Strategy 3:
unplanned interpenetration of installations and load-bearing element by provision of a free zone.
Strategy 4:
total integration. Structural elements can act as parts of a building’s service system. For example,
thermal inertia of a structural element may be exploited to store heat; the structure may absorb
or reflect sound; parts of the structure may be filled with water to provide active fire protection,
etc.

2. SYSTEMATISATION
Building system is the most representative collection of parts that represent major building
function. The system is the highest material level of technical composition and contains a number
sub-levels, such as: sub-systems / components, elements, and materials. The number of
disassembly options can be an obstacle for reversibility. If too many disassembly sequences are
required, one may choose demolition instead of disassembly. This brings into focus two-stage
assembly and disassembly. First, at the building site, where higher-level sub-assemblies like
systems and components are disassembled at the building site, for reuse/reconfiguration.
Secondly disassembly in factory, where lower levels subassemblies, such as sub-components and
elements, are disassembled and repaired for reuse/reconfiguration/recycling.

Four types of building configuration distinguished by the number of on-site assembly/disas-

sembly operations.

3 RELATIONAL PATERN

Two aspects are addressing relational pattern : Pattern type and position of relations

PATTERN TYPE
Traditional buildings were characterized by complex relational diagrams, which represented
maximal integration of all building elements into one dependent structure.
In such an environment, substitution of one element could have considerable consequences on
related parts at their connections.
The most important aspect that influences the disassembly potential of structures, is the number
of relations. Distinction can be made between six relational patterns that result in six types of
assemblies:
1. closed assembly , 2. layered assembly, 3. stuck assembly, 4. table assembly
5. open assembly

Fixed configurations represent patterns that result in closed, layered, or stuck assemblies. The
table assembly characterizes partially open systems. While open hierarchy are represented by
building parts that are kept independent from one another by creating dependent relations only
with one element within an assembly ( base element of configuration).

POSITION OF RELATIONS
Relations within sub-assembly versus relations between sub-assemblies
Relational diagram can be interpreted as represent relations between different family/functional
groups (represented horizontally) , while each column represents technical decomposition within
one family group.(see figure bellow)
The main rule is that sub-systems can only have relations with the base element of the structure.
In this way, components/elements that belong to subsystems, can easily be replaced.
Vertical relations represent relations within one functional group, while horizontal relations
represent relations between different functional groups. Ideally, different functional groups
should not be directly related. This makes replicability and modifications of different
requirements more feasable.
4.BASE ELEMENT

A building product(system/component/element) is a carrier of specific building’s functions. Each

assembled product represents a cluster of elements that are carriers of sub-functions. To provide
independence of elements within two clusters, each cluster should define its base element,
which integrates all surrounding elements of that cluster. This element functions as intermediary
between elements as well as between clusters. Such intermediary share functions on two levels:
(i) it is connecting elements within the cluster and (ii) perform as an intermediary with other
clusters. Base elements/intermediaries can be found on all levels of technical composition of a
building (see figure bellow)

system element as accsesory

as
intermediary intermediary as intermediary
connectio

5. GEOMETRY OF PRODUCT EDGE

Reversibility / Disassembly can be affected by changing of the geometry of product edge. This is
closely related to the interface design and specification of the connection type. It is possible to
identify six situations that define the suitability of geometry for disassembly of components.
Major two distinctions can be made between open and interpenetrating geometry.
Interpenetrating geometry is less suitable for disassembly, since elements can be disassembled
in only one direction. In the worst case, components can be removed only by demolition of
connected elements.

6. ASSEMBLY SEQUENCES

Life cycle of assembled materials, type of materials, geometry of product edge, and type of
connections influence assembly/disassembly sequences.
Sequences in assembly represent complexity of the structure and dependencies between
building elements. The way we assemble a building sets the mirror image of the building during
its transformational and disassembly phase. Two mayor assembly/disassembly sequences can be
distinguished: a parallel sequence, and a sequential sequence.
A parallel assembly sequence can speed up a building/disassembly process. Sequential
assembly sequences create dependencies between assembled elements, and makes
substitution more complicated and time intensive. In-between parallel and sequential
assembly/disassembly sequences it is possible to distinguish five type of sequences: 1/ 2 gravity
attractor / parallel , 3. closed circle ; 4. interlock , 5. Sequential ( see figure bellow)
7. CONNECTIONS

Interfaces define degree of freedom between components, through design of product edge, and
specification of connection type.
In general it is possible to define three main types of connections: direct (integral), indirect
(accessory), and filled.
Integral connections are connections in which the geometry of component edges forms a
complete connection. Two basic integral connection types can be distinguished (i) overlapped,
and (ii) interlocked. Overlapped connections are often used as connections between vertical
external façade components, or between vertical and horizontal components. Their disassembly
depends on the type of material used in the connection, assembly sequences, hierarchical
position of the components, and their relations with other components. An interlocked
connection is an internal connection in which component edges are shaped differently. Here, the
shape of the edges allows only for sequential assembly.

Accessory connections are connections in which additional parts are used to form the
connection. Two types of connections can be distinguished: internal, and external. The internal
type incorporates a loose accessory that links components. The accessory is inserted into the
components. The connection possesses the advantage of an identical edge shape to the
components. Dismantling of such connections can be difficult because of the sequential assembly
sequences. The accessory external joint makes dismantling easier, with applied cover strips, or
with a combination of frame and cover strips.
Filed connections
These are connections between two components that are filled with chemical material. Assembly
of such components is labour intensive. They can be welded connections between metal plates,
between beams and columns, or can be connections between concrete floor panels, or bricks
etc. Disassembly of such connections is often impossible, or it requires development of special
deconstruction technologies as for example laser technologies.

Two main criteria for design of decomposable connections are:

1. elements/components should be kept separated, to avoid penetration into other components
or systems, and
2. dry-jointing techniques should replace chemical techniques.
These conditions should be applied to all levels in a building. In this way all building systems
become demountable, each component and element is replaceable, and all materials are
recyclable.
Disassembly characteristics of a connection depend on:
• the number of connection devices,
• type of the material used in connection, and
• the form of a component’s edge.
In the range from fixed to reversible seven connection types can be distinguished. ( see figure
bellow)
8 LIFE CYCLE COORDINATION OF MATERIALS

One aspect of life cycle coordination in assembly deals with integration of materials with respect
to their life cycle. Building materials have life cycles ranging from 5-75 years, yet frequently,
assembly sequences of materials do not consider this.
Materials with shorter life cycle are often assembled first.
Elements, which have long life cycle and greatest dependencies in assembly, should be
assembled first and disassembled last. Elements, which have short life cycle, should be assembled
last and disassembled first. Two life cycle co-ordinations are significant for transformable
structures:
• assembly of materials, which have different life cycles, and
• assembly of materials, whose functions have different life cycles.

OVERVIEW OF REVERSIBILITY
When analyzing seven design aspects and their sub aspects a reversibility profile of
building/system/component structure can be developed which gives a first indication of possible
improvements of the design in order to provide higher structural reversibility.
In order to inform designers on the critera and the design process which can improve design solutions for
reversible building (products) struture, a specification of the design critera has been made for major
design phases: preliminary design, definitive design and technical design (preparation for constrution).
The criteria adress three levels of dependencies between product strutures: functional, technical and
physical. During the preliminary design phase, the focus of design lays on the functionality of the design
object. In terms of reverisbility, functional decomposition is an important design critera. The second
important reversible building design aspect in this stage is systematisation. Systematisation stands for the
basic clustering of materials in order to perform a certain function. Which functions are clustered
together, and which are not, will determine the product’s reconfiguration options.

Furthermore, the life cycle coordination of use and technical life cycles play an important role in providing
more reversible solutions. The relations and relational patterns representing dependencies between
elements and components also play a role in reversible solutions. Finally, during the technical design for
the execution of construction, the independence of assembly sequences, the geometry of product edge
and the typlogy of connections will ultimately determine the level of damage of recovered building
products and materials.

If a designer places more focus on transformation than functional decompositon, technical composition
would be a greater priority. If a designer is focused more on high value recovery and reuse of single parts,
physical decomposiiton will be of greater interest. However, ultimately, if a designer is designing a
reversible building, all three levels of decomposition of a building (functional, technical and physical) are
of equal significance.

Design protocol for technical aspects of reversibility

Figure : Reversible building protocol for technical aspects of reversibility.