Purpose Circular economy (CE) integration in offsite construction (OSC) is increasingly recognised as a pathway to reduce waste, carbon emissions and inefficient material practices. However, the digital mechanisms required to operationalise circularity across design, construction and reuse phases in OSC remain fragmented and underdeveloped. Design/methodology/approach This study develops a five-layer digital integration framework that aligns building information modelling (BIM) with material passports (MPs) to support circular workflows. Drawing on a systematic literature review (SLR) of 40 peer-reviewed studies, the framework comprises: (1) Data Input Layer, (2) BIM Platform Layer, (3) Integration Layer, (4) Lifecycle Feedback Layer and (5) Circular Decision Support Layer. Findings The synthesis layer identifies key digital bottlenecks across the five layers, including missing CE metadata, poor interoperability and a lack of lifecycle feedback loops. By embedding circular material intelligence within BIM environments, the framework offers a scalable roadmap for traceability, reuse planning and CE-driven decision-making in OSC. Practical implications The framework provides industry stakeholders with a scalable roadmap to enable material traceability, reuse planning and circular decision-making across the OSC lifecycle. It supports practical alignment with emerging CE policies and market incentives. Originality/value This study contributes a theoretically grounded framework and practical recommendations for advancing digital circular construction. It lays the groundwork for future digital tool development and policy alignment to supports CE adoption in the built environment.
Purpose This study explores the perceptions of key stakeholders concerning the adoption of green building practices in Greater Kuala Lumpur, with a particular emphasis on identifying perceived barriers and potential strategies to facilitate implementation. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with nine experts from academia, industry and policymaking within Greater Kuala Lumpur's green building sector. Data saturation was achieved, and the data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and stakeholder perspectives. Findings The findings indicate that green building adoption is constrained by financial, regulatory, knowledge-related, market and procedural barriers, while targeted incentives, coordinated policies, capacity-building initiatives, market engagement and streamlined approval processes can effectively enhance implementation. Research limitations/implications While the findings are specific to Greater Kuala Lumpur, they provide practical insights for policymakers and practitioners. Future research could expand the stakeholder base and compare perceptions across different urban contexts. Originality/value This study offers one of the few stakeholder-based qualitative analyses of green building adoption in Greater Kuala Lumpur, integrating perspectives from academia, industry and policymakers to highlight challenges and strategies for sustainable urban construction.
Purpose This study examines whether traditional Saharan ksour can be considered sustainable low-tech smart buildings by assessing their inherent climatic, energy, environmental, social and cultural capacities through passive architectural solutions. Design/methodology/approach A comparative qualitative study was conducted on four ksour in the Saoura Valley, Algeria: Mazzer, Taghit, Beni Abbes and Moughel. An original evaluation framework, the Saharan Climate Low-Tech Smart Building Model (SCLSBM), was developed to assess five dimensions: Climate, Energy, Environmental, Social and Cultural Intelligence. Findings The four ksour showed strong correspondence with SCLSBM characteristics, with scores ranging from 68/75 to 74/75. Recurring passive strategies related to climatic adaptation indicate passive architectural intelligence. Differences concern conservation status, environmental resilience and persistence of traditional functions. These findings support Saharan vernacular architecture as architectural intelligence, while quantitative validation remains necessary. Research limitations/implications The study covers four ksour in the Saoura Valley and uses an exploratory qualitative scoring framework based on documentary evidence, architectural observation and morphological analysis. Scores do not directly measure thermal, energy, or environmental performance and no independent inter-rater validation or sensitivity analysis was conducted. Further research should include broader samples, independent assessors, quantitative performance measurements and alternative weighting schemes. Originality/value The SCLSBM integrates climatic responsiveness, energy sufficiency, environmental adaptation, social organization and cultural continuity as interconnected dimensions of low-tech building intelligence. It distinguishes itself from approaches separately assessing technological intelligence, environmental performance or heritage significance. The model establishes a conceptual bridge between vernacular knowledge and contemporary smart-building discourse while remaining exploratory and requiring empirical validation.
Purpose Fostering circular building adaptability (CBA) in adaptive reuse can contribute to reducing waste, enhancing flexibility and adding value to building assets. However, promoting CBA in adaptive reuse projects is still emerging, and knowledge about the effectiveness and applicability of design strategies needs further research. This study aims to explore and reflect on the applicability and effectiveness of design-oriented circular building adaptability strategies (CBASs) in the real world. Design/methodology/approach A two-pronged approach was adopted, combining case study and research through design. This approach involved mixed-research methods, namely literature review, archival research, in-depth interviews, questionnaires and design workshops. The applicability and effectiveness of design-oriented CBA strategies were explored in three heritage circular adaptive reuse projects, namely a hospital, a school and a commercial building. We followed the exploration with design experimentation in another transformation project of a heritage school into a residential building. Findings The three most applicable and effective strategies in adaptive reuse are opening floor plans, creating multi-purpose spaces and aligning the interconnection between floor plans. On the other hand, designing for mixed-use, modularizing spatial configuration and designing for surplus capacity have been deemed the least effective and applicable ones. Observations from the design experimentation point out that raising awareness of the CBA among professionals is essential for its promotion in adaptive reuse to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on adaptive reuse and CBA by providing insights into the applicability and effectiveness of CBASs triangulated with design observations.
Purpose The purpose of this viewpoint article is to explore the challenges currently facing the UK high street and potential role of adaptive reuse of historic buildings in a UK high street context from a sustainability perspective. Design/methodology/approach A narrative review underpinned by a systematic literature search is adopted for this viewpoint article. Findings There is a range of complex interrelated factors relating to the sustainable temporary adaptive reuse of historic buildings in high street settings. Originality/value Limited exploration of sustainable adaptive reuse has been previously undertaken in relation to historic buildings. Yet with the persisting challenges of vacant and partially vacant buildings in high street settings, exacerbated by a global pandemic and socio-technical changes, this approach may offer an alternative to vacancy and high street decline.
