CIRCULAR DESIGN FOR URBAN DENSIFICATION THROUGH EXTENSION CONSTRUCTION

In order to accommodate increasingly high populations and preserve urban green areas, the strategy of urban densification has led to the rise of vertical architecture expansion. At the same time, residential buildings constructed in the 20th century are confronted with the dilemma of outdated equipment that fails to meet the needs of contemporary usage. In costly neighbourhoods, retrofitting is preferable to demolition for cultural and economic development. This study will use volumetric timber modules which have the potential to be reused, resulting in a sustainable retrofit solution. Simultaneously, factory production of modular products enhances manufacturing accuracy and on-site assembly efficiency, substantially minimising the impact of the construction period on the surrounding area of the renovation project. Subsequently, three functional modules will be introduced to produce various design outcomes that simulate different expansion strategies. The research takes into account the design constraints given by various expansion directions and functional requirements in order to assess the feasibility of the extension outcomes. The discussion will focus on the application of modular timber products to realise a circular retrofit building, consequently contributing to the relevant field.