The Sprint unit in EMPA's NEST innovation building in Dübendorf is a pioneering example of how circular construction can be practically and efficiently implemented today. The approximately 200 square metre office unit was completed in just ten months, and systematically follows the principle of reuse. Almost all the materials used - from wooden elements to carpet tiles, glass walls and photovoltaic modules - came from deconstruction or other projects. It wasn't just a question of using used materials, but of implementing an overall concept focused on demountability, flexibility and material cycles.
The entire structure has been designed so that it can be easily disassembled at a later date and rebuilt elsewhere, or integrated into other construction projects. This "design for disassembly" principle makes the building a real laboratory for circular construction. At the same time, the project shows that reuse is not necessarily in contradiction with high construction quality or rapid implementation: Many materials could be purchased faster than new ones - and with a significantly reduced CO₂ footprint.
Unit Sprint is the result of close collaboration between baubüro in situ, EMPA, Zirkular GmbH and other partners. In addition to planning and execution, topics such as material control, compliance with standards and quality assurance were integrated into the process at an early stage. The result is a flexible, sustainable and forward-looking workspace, which proves that circular construction is not just a theoretical vision, but represents a functional alternative to conventional construction - efficient, ecological and convincing in terms of design.
