Optimising material selection for design for deconstruction: a kano model-based evaluation of doors and windows

Abstract

The construction industry faces a major challenge due to its waste generation and resource depletion leading to environmental impacts. To mitigate these the circular economy (CE) offers a solution by repurposing construction waste as raw materials. This approach can be further enhanced by integrating eco-design strategies, particularly Design for Deconstruction (DfD). Material selection is a crucial aspect of successful deconstruction. However, current research lacks specific focus on material selection for deconstruction feasibility within a CE framework, especially for joinery components. This study addresses this gap by identifying crucial criteria for material selection in DfD, specifically targeting doors and windows to promote circularity. The study uses a mixed-method approach, involving preliminary interviews with 5 interviewees followed by a questionnaire survey with 50 respondents based on the Kano Model where the content analysis and the Kano Model were used to analyse the collected data. Purposive sampling was used to select samples for the preliminary interview and questionnaire survey. Finding reveals that the “avoid toxic and hazardous materials” as the most critical criteria for material selection in DfD for doors and windows, while “maintain updated as-built drawings and material inventories with disassembly instructions” remain the least concern criteria among the identified seven crucial criteria. Ultimately, this research contributes to improving decision-making when selecting materials during the construction design phase to foster circularity and reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Additionally, the results of the study can be recommended to policymakers to incorporate in the standards such as GreenSL rating system and further research promotes other eco-design methods and policy formulation.