In the construction industry, innovation is key to addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. As part of a collaborative effort to transform construction and demolition (C&D) practices, Reincarnate is developing ten groundbreaking innovations to pave the way for a more sustainable construction industry. The Innovation Series highlights the work of researchers and developers behind these pioneering solutions.
This episode features Klaus Luig, CEO at 3L, an architecture & industrial design company in Germany and lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Dortmund. Within Reincarnate, he is responsible for two work packages, focusing on innovative building envelopes and upgrading construction products to enhance circular economy practices.
Watch Klaus’s video on Upgrade Solutions for Construction Products!
Brief description of the innovation and its role in the Reincarnate project
Within the Reincarnate project, one area of focus is the upgrading of building products to enhance their performance and sustainability. This effort is structured under Work Package 2, which is led by 3L and explores ways to improve the reuse and optimization of construction materials.
The objective is to ensure that existing building materials are not only repurposed but upgraded to meet modern performance standards. By refining materials and integrating them into higher-value systems, this approach supports the circular economy in the construction sector. The innovation seeks to extend the lifespan of building components, reduce waste, and enhance energy efficiency, ultimately making construction more resource-efficient and sustainable.
Specific challenges in construction and demolition (C&D) that the innovation aims to solve
The construction industry is currently experiencing a severe shortage of materials, driven by multiple factors, including the Ukraine war and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions that promote reuse and optimization of existing building products.
A significant obstacle in this process is ensuring that reused materials meet certification standards, maintain quality, and remain applicable for their intended purposes. Many uncertainties arise, such as:
- Are reused materials of the same quality as new ones?
- Do they have the necessary certifications and labels?
- Can they be safely and effectively integrated into new or existing buildings?
To tackle these challenges, the research focuses on upgrading building materials and products effectively using a structured approach known as the 4E methodology. This process optimizes materials by following four key levels:
- Material Creation – Assessing the potential of raw materials.
- Product Level – Ensuring the viability of individual building products.
- Component Level – Enhancing and integrating components for broader applications.
- System Level – Developing fully functional systems from optimized components.
An example of this methodology is the second frame system, where wooden windows are repurposed into a new facade layer. This secondary envelope improves thermal insulation, air quality, and shading, demonstrating how existing materials can be transformed into higher-value systems.
What inspired the development of the innovation, and how it evolved
The development of this innovation was directly influenced by real-world challenges in the construction sector. The ongoing shortage of materials and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions provided the motivation to find practical ways to reuse existing products.
At the same time, the need for better energy efficiency and indoor air quality plays a crucial role in shaping this research. The goal was to create a solution that is easy to implement while maximizing the value of existing materials. Instead of simply reusing single components, the approach focuses on designing a new, optimized system that enhances their functionality and performance.
This innovation follows a systemic approach, where reused materials are integrated into a structured solution rather than being repurposed as standalone elements. By doing so, the project ensures higher efficiency and greater sustainability in construction applications.
The stage of development of the innovation and next steps
The technical feasibility of this innovation is already well established. However, ongoing research aims to quantify its full benefits and assess its impact on energy efficiency and indoor environments.
One of the main areas of focus is evaluating the exact advantages provided by the second-layer envelope system. Key questions include:
- How much does this approach improve indoor air quality?
- What are the measurable energy savings in terms of heating and insulation?
- How significant is the long-term impact on sustainability and building performance?
To answer these questions, researchers are currently developing an efficiency and effectiveness simulation tool. This tool will provide data-driven insights to assess and optimize the implementation of upgraded building materials.
By the end of the Reincarnate project, the goal is to deliver a comprehensive evaluation framework that allows for easy replication of this system. This will ensure that other architects, engineers, and developers can adopt and integrate these solutions into future construction projects.
A Step Toward Sustainable Construction
Klaus’s work on Upgrade Solutions for Construction Products exemplifies the mission of the Reincarnate Project: to transform C&D practices and foster a more sustainable built environment. By addressing the challenges of material shortages and inefficient reuse, this innovation contributes to a more circular and resource-efficient construction sector.
Watch Klaus’s video on Upgrade Solutions for Construction Products!