Digital circularity in construction: a systematic review and conceptual framework with a timber focus

Digital innovations and circular economy strategies are advancing in construction, yet their integration into timber-based building practices remains underexplored. We conducted a structured narrative literature review (following PRISMA 2020 guidelines) of 110 sources (2020–2025) to examine how digital technologies (e.g. BIM, digital twins, IoT, material passports, blockchain, AI) enable circular economy practices (e.g. modular prefabrication, design for disassembly, adaptive reuse) in timber construction across the building life cycle. Focusing on Europe (especially the Nordic region) and North America, we identify current digital tools and propose the Digital Circularity Alignment Model (DCAM), a novel framework aligning technology, business models, and governance to mainstream circular construction. Our analysis suggests that digital infrastructure can greatly enhance material reuse and life-cycle optimisation when supported by enabling policies and business models. Persistent barriers (e.g. data interoperability and policy gaps) still hinder adoption, while key enablers (such as standardised data protocols and circular procurement policies) are priorities for future research and practice. These findings offer an integrated perspective and roadmap to accelerate digital circularity in timber construction.