Architectural perspectives on wood reuse within circular construction

Kitek Kuzman, Manja (author), Zbašnik-Senegačnik, Martina (author), Kosanović, Saja (author), Miloshevska Janakieska, Marija (author), Novaković, Nevena (author), Rajković, Irena (author), Grošelj, Petra (author)

This study explores the perspectives and practices of architects regarding the reuse of wood in construction across five South–Central European countries: Slovenia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and Montenegro. Based on a survey of architectural professionals, this research explores their attitudes, challenges, and motivations for using reclaimed wood, with a focus on circular construction principles. Key findings reveal unanimous agreement among respondents that both their profession and government entities inadequately support or promote wood reuse within the context of circular construction. While architects value reclaimed wood, there are country-specific variations. Environmental benefits, unique aesthetics, historical value, and sustainability are cited as primary motivators for reclaimed wood use. Additionally, respondents emphasize the ecological aspect as the most important consideration in wood product reuse, followed by economic and technological factors. Common concerns revolve around the long-term quality and maintenance of wood products. This research provides insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding reclaimed wood use in South–Central Europe, highlighting the need for support mechanisms and increased awareness to advance circular construction practices in the region. These findings can have implications for architects and investors by identifying market opportunities, promoting eco-friendly practices, and providing valuable insights for future building designs with a focus on reclaimed wood elements within circular construction.

• Language: English
• Keywords: architecture, building construction, circular construction, reused wood
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FA - Faculty of Architecture; BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Publication date: 01.01.2024
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: Str. 1-17
• Numbering: No. 3, Vol. 14
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-154551
• UDC: 630*8
• ISSN on article: 2075-5309
• DOI: 10.3390/buildings14030560
• COBISS.SI-ID: 186198019
• Publication date in RUL: 22.02.2024

KITEK KUZMAN, Manja, ZBAŠNIK-SENEGAČNIK, Martina, KOSANOVIĆ, Saja, MILOSHEVSKA JANAKIESKA, Marija, NOVAKOVIĆ, Nevena, RAJKOVIĆ, Irena and GROŠELJ, Petra, 2024, Architectural perspectives on wood reuse within circular construction. Buildings [online]. 2024. Vol. 3, no. 14, p. 1–17. [Accessed 18 May 2025]. DOI 10.3390/buildings14030560. Retrieved from: https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/IzpisGradiva.php?lang=eng&id=154551

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Buildings
• Shortened title: Buildings
• Publisher: Molecular Diversity Preservation International
• ISSN: 2075-5309
• COBISS.SI-ID: 1024478292

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: arhitektura, gradbeništvo, krožna gradnja, ponovno uporabljen les