The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
This week we continue our focus on reuse with a step-by-step approach to tagging the components of an existing building so that they can be dismantled and reused just like Lego blocks. Hoolahan, Orms sustainability co-ordinator and UKGBC Design for Circularity working group leader, explains how she collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an open-source design-led approach to material passports for retrofit – an initiative that won her this year’s AJ100 Sustainability Champion of the Year award.
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About Rachel Hoolahan
Originally from Ireland, Rachel joined Orms four years ago, taking up the post of sustainability co-ordinator in January 2021.
Supported by Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, Rachel collaborated with a multidisciplinary team including engineers ElliottWood (reuse of existing buildings) and Arup (material sourcing) and Heta Architects (specifying for reuse) to develop an approach to applying material passports to existing buildings. She also leads the UKGBC’s Design for Circularity working group which is producing a template for deconstruction of existing buildings.
Prior to joining Orms, Rachel worked in New York City on a luxury residential Passivhaus project and on the National Centre for Circular Economy in Dublin.
Show Notes: Resources mentioned in this episode
Orms repurposed the former 1970s Camden Town Hall Annex into the Standard Hotel, winner of the AJ Retrofit Hotel, Retail and Leisure category in 2021.
Architects Declare Practice Guide
RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide
National Federation of Demolition Contractors
Credits
Climate Champions is produced in association with ACAN, the Architects’ Climate Action Network
Podcast produced and edited by Concept Culture
Music: Edmilson do Pífano, Forró de dois Amigos. Interpretation: Felipe Tanaka e banda Balaio de Baião