Utilising Mass Timber to Unlock the Potential of Adaptive Reuse Projects for Sustainable Human Settlements

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Mishau Azar and Coralie van Reenen

Keywords: Mass Timber, Adaptive Reuse, Sustainable Human Settlements, Office-to-residential Conversion, South African Cities

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ABSTRACT

PURPOSE

This paper explores the utilisation of mass timber (MT) in adaptive reuse (AR) projects in South African cities for creating sustainable human settlements.

DESIGN / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH

The approach to the research was through a literature review, industry survey and expert interviews to gather perceptions on the topic.

FINDINGS

The findings reveal that MT is a potentially solution for application in AR projects in vacant office buildings in South African cities, considering suitability, cost, technology and building practices. The research highlights that despite existing barriers, MT can effectively address these challenges.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS

A limitation of this research is the reliance on a small sample size, which may introduce biases.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This research suggests that MT can help overcome barriers in adaptive reuse of vacant office buildings, thereby supporting sustainable human settlements, providing well-located urban social housing.

WHAT IS THE ORIGINAL / VALUE

This paper provides new insights into providing sustainable human settlements in South African cities through the innovative application of MT to repurpose vacant office buildings.