Adding value to timber components through consideration of demolition and disassembly

Consideration of the life cycle of timber products within the traditional construction sector in Ireland has been extremely limited to date. Consequently, the majority of timber recovered following demolition is incinerated for energy, contributing to global warming. Analysis of the current Irish housing stock has shown that it contains high volumes of quality timber components in good condition and of significant capital value. In making relatively minor adjustments to design, construction and demolition practices, opportunities exist to enable disassembly and reuse which would add timber components and completed constructions.