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Circular Wood Construction in a Sustainable Built Environment: A Thematic Review of Gaps and Emerging Topics

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  • Agnieszka Starzyk

    (Department of Architecture, Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Janusz Marchwiński

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Technology and Arts in Applied Sciences, 00-792 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Vuk Milošević

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia)

Abstract

As a renewable and carbon-storing raw material, wood is playing an increasingly important role in the transformation of the construction sector towards a circular economy (CE). However, extant scientific studies have largely analyzed its technical, environmental, and social aspects in isolation from one another. The present article provides a problem-oriented and conceptual narrative overview, integrating these three dimensions from a design perspective. The objective of this study is not to provide a systematic review of the extant literature, but rather to structure existing knowledge by categorizing topics as follows: well-recognized, moderately developed, and niche. This approach enables the identification of gaps and links relevant to architectural practice. A qualitative thematic approach was adopted, underpinned by a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. This approach was further enriched by the incorporation of a select array of highly cited sources, serving to substantiate the study’s findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the pertinent literature. The review identified four research areas with high potential but low recognition: digital tracking of the life cycle of wooden elements, upcycling of low-quality wood, development of innovative wood-based materials, and socio-cultural acceptance of CE-based architecture. These subjects are currently marginal in the field of research, despite their significant implications for design strategies, adaptive resource use, and the development of interdisciplinary tools. The article posits the necessity of integrating materials science, digital technologies and architectural theory as a prerequisite for the scalable development of circular wood construction. The proposed classification provides a conceptual framework to support further research and guide innovation in the built environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnieszka Starzyk & Janusz Marchwiński & Vuk Milošević, 2025. "Circular Wood Construction in a Sustainable Built Environment: A Thematic Review of Gaps and Emerging Topics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7333-:d:1723919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nilay Elginoz & Joran van Blokland & Sahar Safarian & Zeinab Movahedisaveji & Desalegn Yadeta Wedajo & Stergios Adamopoulos, 2024. "Wood Waste Recycling in Sweden—Industrial, Environmental, Social, and Economic Challenges and Benefits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Tuomo Eskelinen & Oswald Sydd & Miika Kajanus & David Fernández Gutiérrez & Miguel Mitsou & José M. Soriano Disla & Manuel Vals Sevilla & Johan Ib Hansen, 2022. "Fortifying Social Acceptance When Designing Circular Economy Business Models on Biowaste Related Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Łukasz Mazur & Anatolii Olenchuk, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment and Building Information Modeling Integrated Approach: Carbon Footprint of Masonry and Timber-Frame Constructions in Single-Family Houses," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Israt Jahan & Guomin Zhang & Muhammed Bhuiyan & Satheeskumar Navaratnam, 2022. "Circular Economy of Construction and Demolition Wood Waste—A Theoretical Framework Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-26, August.
    5. Ana Mojica & Julio C. Serrano-Ruiz & Beatriz Andres & Rocio de la Torre, 2025. "A Conceptual Framework for the Upcycling Supply Chain in the Wood Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, January.
    6. Ravijanya Chippagiri & Ana Bras & Deepak Sharma & Rahul V. Ralegaonkar, 2022. "Technological and Sustainable Perception on the Advancements of Prefabrication in Construction Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-19, October.
    7. Winchester, Niven & Reilly, John M., 2020. "The economic and emissions benefits of engineered wood products in a low-carbon future," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    8. Sivanuja Thirumal & Nilupa Udawatta & Gayani Karunasena & Riyadh Al-Ameri, 2024. "Barriers to Adopting Digital Technologies to Implement Circular Economy Practices in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-25, April.
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