Reallaboratory for Building Transformation

How can we build today and in the future when our planet sets clear limits for us?
A low-carbon and resource-efficient architecture is indispensable. The key to this is circular construction. This means viewing buildings as material repositories: instead of consuming materials, we use them again and again. Wood is ideal for this strategy: it offers high material efficiency, stores carbon, and enables a high degree of prefabrication. But how can we implement circular construction in practice, how can successes be measured, and how can construction remain affordable?

Our new construction project in Wolfsburg provides answers. Groundbreaking took place last October for two wooden high-rises – the Woodscraper – demonstrating how the circular economy can work in the construction industry. The project developer is the socially and ecologically oriented GLS Bank.

With a timber structure, a reversible interior made of ecological materials, and optimized building technology, the Woodscraper is one of the most sustainable projects in Germany. The buildings are designed to leave little construction waste at the end of their life cycle but instead release valuable resources. Before any potential deconstruction, the adaptable building structure allows for various repurposing options, extending its service life.

Parallel to our planning, we are researching planning strategies for circular timber construction – supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). Together with our research partners, Natural Building Lab, ee concept, and CAALA, we explore the following questions: What general insights can be drawn from this project? How can circularity be measured? And how can life cycle assessments and costs be integrated into planning processes?

We would like to present the results of this research project and discuss them with you in a fishbowl format. We look forward to your insightful and critical contributions!

Living Lab for the Construction Transition: The Woodscraper – Circular Building with Timber

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Natural Building Lab, TU Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, 13355 Berlin – Mitte

As part of the DBU project, a 1:1 scale model of a building corner was constructed to optimize the circularity of the structure. A deconstruction test demonstrated how components can be dismantled without damage. The environmental impact and costs of the project were continuously assessed and optimized along with the energy concept. In the end, a system emerged that reliably evaluates the circularity of timber buildings.

Agenda

10:30 AM – Tour of the 1:1 Model
Welcome: Prof. Eike Roswag-Klinge (Natural Building Lab, TU Berlin) and Jörg Finkbeiner (Partner und Partner Architecture)
Explanations by Moritz Henes (Natural Building Lab)

11:15 AM – Introduction
Welcome: Sabine Djahanschah (German Federal Environmental Foundation, DBU)
Keynote: Prof. Dr. Guido Spars (Founding Director, Federal Building Academy)

12:00 PM – Presentation of Research Findings
Opening Remarks: André Meyer (GLS Bank)
Jörg Finkbeiner (Partner und Partner Architecture): The Woodscraper in Wolfsburg – Bridging Practice and Research
Moritz Henes (Natural Building Lab, TU Berlin): Demonstrably Circular Building with Timber
Prof. Dr. Angèle Tersluisen (ee concept): Life Cycle Assessment – Key Findings from the Research Project
Marco Krechel (CAALA): Quantifying Life Cycle Assessments and Costs in Planning

1:30 PM – Break

2:00 PM – Fishbowl Discussion
We invite you to discuss the following theses with our speakers:

• Sustainable construction and affordable housing are compatible! How can we create climate-friendly architecture for everyone?
• Circular construction must become the norm! Do we need new planning strategies?
• Circular construction must be measurable! How can circularity be reliably assessed?
• Circular construction means building with wood! Which materials are best suited for circular construction?

You are welcome to participate in the discussion! We look forward to an inspiring exchange with you.

2:50 PM – 5:00 PM – Closing with Winter Punch