In a world where construction waste is a growing concern, Second Edition, a Sydney-based studio, is taking a radical approach to design and construction. Founded with a mission to reduce waste, this innovative practice is challenging the status quo and offering a fresh perspective on material reuse and salvage.
The Challenge of Waste Reduction
Waste management in the construction industry is a complex issue. Many perceive material reuse as a time-consuming and complex process, opting instead for the ease of buying new. However, Second Edition's founders, Shahar Cohen and Amy Seo, have dedicated their practice to exploring how construction can be less wasteful.
Making Reuse Financially Viable
One of the key challenges is making material reuse financially viable. Cohen explains that it's a delicate balance, requiring careful consideration of which materials to collect and store. The studio only takes materials with a clear destination, whether for resale or integration into their projects. This approach minimizes inefficiencies and ensures a more sustainable practice.
The Cost of Reclaimed Materials
When it comes to costs, reclaimed materials can be cost-neutral compared to new purchases. However, the labor involved in processing these materials often increases the overall expense. Second Edition has accepted this reality and focused on building efficiencies elsewhere in their business to accommodate this additional labor cost.
Client Engagement and Transparency
For clients, transparency is key. The studio aims to provide well-informed estimates, ensuring that the costs for reuse elements are equal to or less than new materials. Cohen and Seo emphasize the importance of early client engagement, as this allows for a more integrated and successful reuse strategy.
Kitchen Renovations: A Focus on Reuse
Kitchen renovations are a prime example of Second Edition's approach. In projects like Offcut Kitchen, Yarranabbe Apartment, and Potts Point Apartment, the studio has discovered that older kitchens with timber frames are easier to work with, as the structure can be retained and adapted. Modern joinery, on the other hand, is more challenging to match.
Easy and Difficult Elements to Reuse
Interestingly, appliances have proven to be surprisingly easy to repurpose. Seo mentions that clients often discard perfectly usable appliances, which the studio salvages and integrates into upcoming projects. On the other hand, full demolition projects present significant challenges, as mechanical processes make hand deconstruction cost-prohibitive.
The Importance of Early Consideration
Cohen emphasizes that the earlier reuse is considered in the design process, the better. Retrospectively embedding salvaged materials is often inefficient and unappealing to clients and architects. By integrating reuse from the outset, Second Edition ensures a more seamless and successful outcome.
Scaling Up Reuse Techniques
The studio has experimented with bespoke methods, such as renders and terrazzo made from crushed stone off-cuts. Cohen believes these processes can be scaled up and replicated, given the right contractors. The key hurdles are finding contractors for crushing and screening, as well as achieving the right aggregate consistency for proper performance.
Working with Overstock and Seconds Materials
Seo highlights that working with overstock and seconds materials is relatively straightforward, as quantities are known upfront, and the material is usually well-organized and ready to use. The main challenge lies in understanding the unique quirks of each second material, ensuring proper detailing and installation.
Growing Appetite for Reuse
Despite some resistance, the appetite for material reuse has grown significantly in recent years. Cohen notes that while there were initially only a few genuinely interested parties, the studio has seen a rise in demand. However, resistance still exists, particularly from clients who prefer the certainty and warranties associated with new materials.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Collaboration and knowledge sharing are at the heart of Second Edition's practice. Seo emphasizes the importance of close relationships with builders and subcontractors, as they provide valuable insights and ideas for reuse. The studio also encourages spending time in industrial areas to understand what materials are being discarded or produced, offering potential design opportunities.
Future Waste Stream Investigations
Looking ahead, the studio is focused on investigating two specific waste streams: papers and plastics, which are major contributors to construction site waste, and metal offcuts, which offer a reliable and continuous source for small fixtures and fittings.
Advice for Integrating Reuse
For those looking to integrate material salvage and reuse into their work, Seo advises early communication with clients and builders. By engaging them from the outset, reuse can become an integral part of the project, rather than an afterthought.
Conclusion
Second Edition's approach to construction and design is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By challenging conventional practices and embracing material reuse, they are not only reducing waste but also creating unique and sustainable solutions. Their work serves as an inspiration for a more conscious and environmentally-minded approach to construction.
