Championing Circular Construction in the Heart of London
At John F Hunt, we’re always looking for ways to push boundaries, and our latest pilot project with University College London (UCL) does just that. As part of our continued commitment to sustainable construction and the circular economy, we recently partnered with UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources on a forward-thinking deconstruction study that explores how we can build and unbuild better.
This pilot project, led by PhD researcher Alexander Dhesi, marks a significant step in our journey to reduce waste and recover valuable materials across our demolition and enabling works.
Driving Innovation On-Site
Our central London site provided the perfect backdrop for this initiative. With active strip-out and partial demolition underway, we saw a unique opportunity to test circular economy principles in real-world conditions.
Our brilliant team, Tom Seath (Sustainability Manager), Abdul Said (Assistant Project Manager), and Geordie Daltrey (Social Value and Circular Economy Advisor), collaborated closely with UCL to assess how materials could be recovered and reused more effectively.
The study began with a site walk-through, offering practical insights into the realities of pre-demolition audits and the challenges of implementing circular economy strategies from a contractor’s perspective.
Hands-On Deconstruction in Practice
Focusing on light-gauge steel components like partition wall frames, the team trialled manual disassembly and non-destructive testing to see how these materials could be reclaimed. By comparing mechanical approaches (unscrewing and unbolting) to more invasive methods like angle grinding, we gained valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.
While mechanically fixed systems should be easier to deconstruct in theory, the reality proved more complex. Hidden fixings, often concealed behind skirting boards or suspended ceilings, make removal difficult and damage components that would otherwise be salvageable.
Our takeaway? For circular construction to succeed, we need to rethink how buildings are designed, prioritising disassembly and reuse from the start.
Sharing What We’ve Learned: Join Our Webinar
We’re excited to share our findings and keep the momentum going. That’s why Tom Seath and Alexander Dhesi will co-host a live webinar at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, and we’d love for you to join us.
This session also marks the official launch of the BUILD-CC (Built Environment Circular Construction) Network, a brand-new platform that brings together industry professionals, researchers, and changemakers to drive sustainable innovation across the built environment.
What to Expect
- An introduction to BUILD-CC’s mission and plans for 2025
- Insights from the network’s first member survey
- A preview of this summer’s Knowledge Exchange Conference
- Presentations from Tom and Alexander sharing their experience and research findings
- A live Q&A to open up the floor to your ideas and questions
It’s a must-attend event for anyone working in construction, sustainability, waste management or looking to play a role in shaping a more circular future for our industry.
Reserve your spot today
BUILD-CC Launch: Deconstruction in Practice – Free Webinar