Project (Un)Build Develops Reversible Timber Construction to Tackle Material Waste

Project (Un)Build is a research initiative that develops reversible timber construction methods using straps and friction pads to facilitate material reuse. The project addresses construction waste, a major challenge for architecture professionals, and contributes to ongoing debate about the act of building itself. It emerges amid growing emphasis on material reuse in construction and architecture, driven by the climate crisis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Professionals, organizations, and researchers are exploring solutions such as urban mining and life cycle assessments (LCAs) to tackle this overarching challenge. The act of building and unbuilding—joining, assembling, and disassembling materials—requires exploration beyond joints, intersections, and connections. This creates opportunities to rethink processes by considering material weight, strength, and broader consequences. Written by Agustina Iñiguez and published on October 07, 2026, the article features a Tea House image credited to Claire Jiang.