黑洞社区

An Arup-designed building using only materials that can be taken apart and used elsewhere has opened in London.

The so-called 鈥渃ircular building鈥� (pictured), which was built using the principles of the circular economy, is on display until 8 October outside the 黑洞社区 Centre in Store Street, central London.

In construction, meeting the objective of a circular economy involves constructing buildings in a way where there is minimal or no waste, using materials that have the potential to be re-used elsewhere.

Sustainable features of the building include a panel system made from biowaste, an acoustic system made out of plastic bottles and a 3D printed heating and ventilation system.

Designed and engineering by Arup, built by Italian facade engineer Frener & Reifer and advised by Bam, the building is made using a 鈥渃radle-to-cradle approach鈥� 鈥� whereby all the construction materials can be sent back to the suppliers, to be re-used elsewhere, once it is dismantled.

Lewis Blackwell, executive director of the 黑洞社区 Centre, told 黑洞社区 the aim of the project is to design a building so that all its components and materials could ultimately be re-used, re-manufactured or recycled 鈥� and to raise awareness of the circular economy in the sector.

He said: 鈥淭here should be an expectation or a requirement within the construction industry for documentation [of building materials], or a traceable chain of where the materials come from. There should be an accountability about what鈥檚 in a building.鈥�

The Arup-designed project comes after the EU last year pledged 拢495m in 2016 and 2017 to develop the circular economy.