DUET Circular Design and Use of Wood building elements
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 020 850 |
| Project duration | May 2023 - April 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
Important results from the project
The project demonstrated that wood-based hybrid walls and floor elements can enable circular use while maintaining performance. By combining new timber with reused materials and industrial side streams, new elements were developed and tested against technical requirements. Results show that low-grade timber and off-cuts can be used in load-bearing structures, though handling and production challenges remain. New test methods assessing long-term performance have been developed.
Expected long term effects
The project enables a transition to circular timber construction systems where low grade and residual materials can be used in load bearing structures. New testing and simulation methods support verification of long term performance and create conditions for market acceptance. Strengthened collaboration between industry, research and regions enables scaling, new value chains and broad implementation. The impacts include increased carbon storage, reduced climate impact and new business models.
Approach and implementation
The project was organised into four work packages. WP2 (Sweden) focused on design for disassembly (DfD), developing hybrid wall and floor elements and test methods for long-term performance. WP3 (Finland) analysed material and bonding properties of recycled and aged timber. WP4 (Germany) produced forecasts of wood waste and recycled timber in Sweden, Finland and Germany, and conducted LCA and scenario-based impact analysis for production and market introduction.