Building Materials Reuse - From Off Site

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What is It?

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• As with the reuse of on-site building materials obtained from deconstruction, the reuse of (used) building materials from off-site providers also extends the cradle to grave life cycle of building materials. Local sources can provide deconstructed materials in all categories.

• Also known as: Used building materials; reuse building materials; reusable materials

Why is it Important?

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• Strengthening our relationship with the Earth by reuse of materials that would have otherwise been buried in a landfill.
• Building strong communities by utilizing local historical buildings.
• Creating opportunity by acquiring reclaimed materials from local businesses.

When to Use It?

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• When there are any number of reusable materials available locally.

Green Garage Use of Used Building Materials from off-site

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Sustainability Goals

• Limit use of new materials as much as feasible. First goal is to reuse 90% of existing materials on site. Building Materials reuse on site
• At least 25% of "new" material is reused.
• Reduce the amount of material used by minimal designs.
• Design to match manufacturer's dimensions to mitigate waste.
• At least 50% of the "new" material is recyclable.
• Expected durability of material is at least 100 years.

Strategy and Conceptual Design

• Achieving these goals is reliant upon our ability to research and collaborate with the right local businesses that provide the materials needed.
• Local Reused materials align with our values in many ways:
  • Reused materials means no manufacturing process and therefore lowered embodied energy.
  • Local businesses promote community well being.
  • Acquiring materials locally leads to reduced carbon transmissions (less transportation).

Proposed Materials / Suppliers

Material	Use	Supplier	Inspiration
Brick/Block	Prospective Flooring Solution Front Garden Pavers Short Dividing Walls Steps Rear Garden Walls	Historic Brick Co.
Structural Wood		Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Lumber)
Windows and Doors	Reuse of Windows and Doors would strictly be for interior use Solid Core doors can be used as a flooring solution Interior Windows that do not need thermal insulation.	Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Doors)	Doors as Floors
Wood Flooring	Living floor material	Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Flooring)
Tile	Decorative tiling Mosaic pattern (acquired scrap) Bathroom or areas with drainage	Use of Scrap Tile	Bottles for use as tile (article)
Hardware	Door pulls Handles Hinges Bath hardware	Architectural Salvage Warehouse (Hardware)

Development Story

• Weekly meetings were held at the Green Garage with with discussions on the materials, their (re)use and the sustainability and life cycle of each of the materials.

The Sustainable Materials Management - Development Story has images that document the Green Garage's processes involving materials.

Proposed Materials / Suppliers

• Insulspan Manufacturer of Structural Insulated Panels with Michigan manufacturing plant.
• Kenco Energy Services- Specializing in cellulose insulation and moisture control/indoor comfort systems.

Related Internal Links

• Sustainable Materials Management

Related Internal Links

• Building Materials Reuse - On Site
• Building Materials - New

Resources

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• Architectural Salvage Warehouse

Open Tasks

• In chart, what is use for wood?
• Development Story page needs to be developed