Context and Purpose
The review titled "A review of circular industrialised construction for sustainable and affordable housing: Towards a process-driven framework" was authored by Annette Davis, Núria Martí Audí, and Daniel M. Hall, and published in the journal "Sustainable Cities and Society." The paper addresses the urgent need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions in light of the global population growth projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, with 70% expected to reside in urban areas. The authors emphasize that traditional construction practices contribute significantly to CO2 emissions and resource depletion, making a shift towards circular industrialised housing (CIH) essential.
Key Findings
The systematic review examines 65 publications from various continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The authors identify six critical factors influencing CIH: cultural, governance, financial, site and logistics, construction system, and building information. They propose a four-step circular process framework encompassing (re)planning, (re)designing, (re)manufacturing, and (dis)assembly, capturing the entire housing lifecycle. The findings highlight that the majority of existing literature focuses on the (re)designing phase (55%), while significantly less attention is given to (re)manufacturing (20%), (re)planning (13%), and (dis)assembly (12%).
The Role of Industrialised Construction
The paper reveals that CIH, underpinned by modern methods of construction, provides opportunities for scalable, sustainable housing. Circular principles aim to minimize waste and promote the reuse of building materials, thereby enhancing affordability and reducing environmental impacts. Industrialised construction (IC) is presented as a method that modernizes building practices through systematic, controlled production, which can lead to improved efficiency and quality.
Challenges and Barriers
Despite the promise of CIH, the review identifies several barriers, particularly in governance and the integration of design for disassembly (DfD) principles. It notes that current building regulations often fail to support circular practices effectively, and there is a lack of empirical studies focusing on social and affordable housing. Only a handful of studies have incorporated interviews or surveys with industry practitioners, indicating a gap in applied research.
Opportunities for Future Research
The authors conclude by advocating for a more interdisciplinary approach to research and policy-making that aligns with the proposed framework. They suggest that future studies should explore key themes such as policy initiatives for circular IC housing, effective procurement strategies, and the role of governance in promoting social housing. The review provides a structured lens for advancing knowledge and practices in sustainable housing, encouraging both policymakers and industry stakeholders to consider the holistic implications of CIH.
Access to the Full Document
For those interested in exploring the detailed findings and methodologies, the full review can be accessed via the provided link: Sustainable Cities and Society.