Deconstruction (building)

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Deconstruction of a Building.

For the approach to post-modern architecture, see Deconstructivism; for other uses, see Deconstruction (disambiguation)

In the context of the physical construction, deconstruction is the act of 'unbuilding' that which was built. The process is so that the building materials are left intact and sent back to reuse markets as products, rather than landfilled as waste.

In areas of a country where landfill fees, commonly called 'tip fees', reach $75-$100 per ton, the practice can be self-supporting when only removing the above grade portion of the building (excluding slab or foundation). Generally speaking, the practice saves money on disposal fees through a bit more labor and hauling. The benefits are tied to strengthening the local economy, saving landfill capacity, keeping useful materials in use, and saving the cost of repurchase for the 'next' market.

The costs are additional labor and hauling compared to demolition, and markets for reuse and recycling vary widely by region. The ReBuilding Center in Portland, Oregon is an example of an organisation carrying out deconstruction. Deconstruction employs 3-6 workers for every one employed in a comparable demolition job, but the total coordination effort may remain stable. Compared to a typical implosion or 'wrecking ball'-style demolition, work is effectively shifted from air and water quality preservation measures (of traditional demolition) to a more deliberate disassembly of the structure, staging and packaging of materials for their markets.

In recent years, state regulatory agencies are beginning to recognize the waning landfill capacity able to handle demolition debris. In Massachusetts, the Department of Environmental Protection has enacted a ban of asphalt pavement, concrete, brick, wood, and metal from municipal landfills effective 7/1/06. The state legislature only considers banning materials for which there are markets to receive a minimum 75% of the waste stream. The ban is being considered carefully by many other coastal states, where dense populations threaten the lifespan of landfills to manage the local waste stream.

The Building Materials Reuse Association a 501 c3 non-profit is the principal US organization dedicated to the supporting the recovery and reuse of building materials through education of industry and the public - www.buildingreuse.org

In the UK BioRegional Reclaimed run a materials sourcing/placing service. Building sites are matched with demolition/deconstruction sites which are as close as possible and reclaimed materials are salvaged.

In the United States, Dallas Contracting Co., Inc. has performed numerous deconstruction projects salvaging everything from yellow pine timbers (to be milled into new flooring), used equipment (generators, compressors, process equipment, etc.), brick and metals (steel, copper, aluminum, etc.). Deconstruction of building materials and equipment is not only profitable but is also an environmentally friendly (conserves landfill space and resources). Many of Dallas Contract's deconstruction projects can be found on the website of the Deconstruction Institute.