Regenerative urban sustainability through a local material archive and upcycling

Abstract

This research addressed the challenge of managing post-disaster wood waste in Hong Kong, where the increasing number of typhoons results in an annual increase in yard waste, most of which is sent to landfills despite limited landfill capacity. In recognition of the environmental and resource inefficiencies inherent in urban environments, the research project examined how eco-material archives and innovative upcycling approaches could inform the review of sustainable product–service system design, education, and circular economy practices. Through a research-through-design methodology, the team established Hong Kong’s first public timber archive, cataloguing and testing numerous local and imported wood species. By reframing wood waste as a valuable resource, the project expanded knowledge of material performance and influenced both design opportunities and public perception to the value of local wood. The research also identified and showcased local woodwork artists, craftsmen and architects, demonstrating diverse design applications of local wood through exhibitions and forums that encouraged public engagement. Moving beyond traditional upcycling, the project pioneered a material-innovation approach by collaborating with civil engineering researchers to explore the use of wood particles as recycled aggregate in concrete. This led to the development of a low-carbon biochar concrete that reduces cement content by 20%–30% while sequestering carbon. Piloted in public installations with adjustable artistic formwork, the material demonstrated both environmental and creative potential. Funded by the Hong Kong Government (HK$0.9 million), the research addressed three core issues: the knowledge transfer of local material archives, viable circular applications for wood waste and the integration of biochar concrete into design for environmental benefit and supply chain transformation. Key outcomes included Hong Kong’s first timber archive, expanded practical knowledge of local and imported wood, public showcases of creative applications and the development of biochar concrete applications as a scalable circular material innovation project with HK$1.75 million funding through the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme (2023-25) of PolyU Internal Research Fund.