Disassembly and Reuse in Tall Timber Buildings: Advancing Circular Construction Practices

The construction industry is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, necessitating innovative solutions to reduce its environmental footprint. Tall Timber Buildings (TTBs) represent a sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods by leveraging engineered wood products like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued-Laminated Timber (GLT). However, conventional linear design processes limit the sustainability potential of TTBs. This paper explores the role of Design for Disassembly (DfD) in enhancing the reuse and recycling of timber components, aligning with circular economy principles. Key strategies such as modular design, reversible connections, and the adoption of digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) are discussed. Challenges, including regulatory barriers and material degradation, are addressed alongside case studies highlighting successful TTB projects. By embracing DfD principles, the industry can extend material lifecycles, reduce waste, and transition toward a regenerative built environment. This work underscores the importance of collaboration across disciplines to achieve sustainable construction goals.