Deconstruction is the manual taking apart of a building to reuse its parts. It can be used with or in place of mechanical demolition. Once materials are taken from a demolition or deconstruction project, they can be reused on site, donated, or sold for reuse. Reuse refers to using a material again after its ‘first life.’ Can certain materials have additional purposes beyond their first use? Is there value in a product after it has been used a first time? Material reuse is an alternative to sending items to a landfill. Common reused materials from deconstruction or demolition are doors, cabinetry, windows, countertops, fixtures and siding.
Tip: Be organized – keep your jobsite clean and organized to prevent lost or broken material and maximize (e.g. 5S program).
Deconstruction Success Stories in the Southeastern United States
Deconstruction Services in Nashville
Some nonprofits or other local organizations provide deconstruction services, such as Habitat for Humanity. There are also private companies that specialize in architectural salvage.
On-site Reuse
Crushed concrete or crushed asphalt are great examples of material that can be reused on-site for infrastructure and drainage projects. Wood or land clearing debris can be mulched and used on site for drainage and landscaping needs.
Donation or Sale of Materials for Reuse
Building materials such as brick, architectural details, wood, and more are valuable materials that can be used in new construction, rehabilitation, or renovation projects. Additionally, fixtures, furniture, and appliances can continue to have a useful life through salvage and reuse.
Tennessee Materials Marketplace
The Tennessee Materials Marketplace connects businesses to develop and scale new reuse and recycling market opportunities. If you are a business or organization located in Tennessee, you can post material for sale or donation. Request access to the Tennessee Materials Marketplace to get started.
Hazardous Materials and Deconstruction
Careful identification of hazardous materials during deconstruction will help ensure safe reuse and recycling of materials. Lead and asbestos are common hazardous materials found during deconstruction. Learn more about hazardous materials and proper disposal.
Resources
- Why Throw Away a House? – Better Futures Minnesota
- Deconstruction Case Studies – City of Vancouver
- Getting to Zero Waste: Deconstruction + Material Reuse in Retail Architecture – CallisonRTKL Research
- Deconstruction: The Story of Two Homes (English) – City of San Antonio
- Deconstruction: The Story of Two Homes (Spanish) – City of San Antonio
Articles
- University partners with local organizations to salvage Manuel House architecture – Vanderbilt News
- Habitat for Humanity's DeConstruct program can save remodelers money – Tennessean
- Sustainability Advocates Ask: Why Demolish When You Can Deconstruct? – New York Times
- Why Cities Want Old Buildings Taken Down Gently – Wired