The construction sector remains one of the largest contributors to environmental impact, responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, there is growing interest in renewable, lower-impact construction materials, particularly wood-based solutions. Additionally, circular construction practices present a promising alternative to the established linear methods, with the potential to significantly reduce the sector's environmental footprint.  However, the implementation of Design for Circularity strategies in mass timber buildings and the evaluation of its environmental benefits over extended lifespans remain underexplored.

This PhD research project aims to bridge the gap between architectural design, construction, circularity, and the environmental impact of mass timber buildings. It will focus on the circularity assessment and life cycle assessment of mass timber-based buildings, particularly in mid-rise constructions. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the research will critically examine the environmental benefits and potential of transitioning from traditional linear construction practices to circular. Key research areas include:

• Circularity Assessment: Investigating design for adaptability, deconstruction/disassembly, reuse, and other circular strategies to extend the lifespan of mass timber buildings and optimize resource efficiency.
  

• Life Cycle Assessment: Evaluating the environmental impacts of mass timber buildings across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life and beyond.
  

• End-of-Life Scenarios: Analyzing the deconstruction, disassembly, and reuse potential of mass timber structures to better understand their long-term sustainability and resource recovery potential.
  

• Research by design to apply and validate the new fundamental knowledge gained in relation to the development of better integrated design for circularity approaches for mass timber buildings.
  

This project will be developed in collaboration with international partners in Europe, North America and Australia, requiring the successful candidate to engage with experts and stakeholders globally.

ArcK is the research group of the Faculty of Architecture and Arts that focuses on research in architecture and interior architecture. We conduct fundamental and applied research on the built environment. In a multidisciplinary team we work on important societal challenges. In this position, you will join the SuRE: Sustainability Research and Education domain, an interdisciplinary team committed to tackling sustainability challenges in the built environment through innovative research and education. Our work supports architects and building owners in making informed decisions, with a particular focus on the responsible use of natural resources. Driven by the mission to ensure a good life for all within planetary boundaries, SuRE’s projects aim to advance sustainable and equitable architectural practices. As a PhD candidate, you will collaborate with leading researchers in the field and actively contribute to this mission, helping to shape a more sustainable built environment. 

More information:

https://www.uhasselt.be/en/onderzoeksgroepen-en/arck/sustainability 

linkedin.com/company/sure-uhasselt

• You have a master’s degree in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineer (or equivalent)
• You have a great interest and curiosity in new, sustainable wood construction methods and technologies.
• You have familiarity with one or more of the following topics: sustainable architecture and construction, building materials and techniques, circular economy, life cycle thinking/assessment, timber construction, and architectural research methods, demonstrated in your CV and motivation letter.
• You have demonstrable research experience in some or all aspects of this research and are able and willing to gain knowledge quickly into these aspects with which you are less familiar.
• You are able to work in interdisciplinary teams, and you have the social skills to engage with both professionals and stakeholders throughout the research process.

• You can work in a team in a constructive and co-creative way and you have good social, relational, communication and reporting skills.

• You have good knowledge of English, both speaking and writing skills.

• You have good ICT skills (Word, Excel, Indesign, CAAD).

• You have problem-solving skills and can work in a structured and independent way.

• You are open to taking on limited teaching assignments (up to 10%) as part of your role.

• You are open to travel for international collaboration with research partners in North America and Australia, if needed.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a 2-year appointment, which will be extended by 2 years after a positive evaluation. The planned start date is June 16, 2025 (or to be determined by mutual agreement).

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file, an interview and a test lesson / presentation.
Interviews will take place on 25.04.2025.

Apply now
Apply up to 17.03.2025