Window of (Circular) Opportunity

Circular aluminium window, door and facade systems

Within the building sector, there is a need for a wider range of circular window and façade products. That is why Reynaers, in cooperation with VITO and VUB, wants to work on adapting aluminium window and door systems to make them more reusable. 

To get a feel for the interests of all partners in the chain (i.e. architect, system supplier, contractor, demolisher and scrap processor), we organised a workshop on circular procurement and the evaluation of circular connections. We then held interviews with the different parties. This helped us define the role that joinery can play in circular design. In parallel, VITO conducted a circularity scan that revealed the positive and negative points of aluminium joinery. 

On this basis, we determined our various research activities: a study of the possible circular scenarios for facades and the impact of refurbishment of window and door elements, the development of a detachable building connection and the identification of challenges in the recycling process by visiting Galloo and Jansen Recycling Group. 

Furthermore, together with VITO and VUB, we developed a design guide for architects that provides them with ways to make joinery circular.

What will the future bring?

The detachable building connection will be further evaluated, whereby it will be extremely important to take the full cost into account, as this will initially mean an adjustment for our structural engineers with possible cost implications, but the overall cost for the end customer will be favourable due to the easier finishing of the building.

We are also looking at whether it makes sense to completely dismantle the joinery elements again, taking into account the treatment processes at the demolition contractors.

Finally, we will be part of the advisory board of the Circular Demolition Hubs project together with VIL, VITO and WTCB.