Building the Future, Sustainably

Why Anyplace is built from aluminum, and what circularity actually requires of a material choice.

Doughnut Economics is a theory proposing a change of economic model as a response to humanity’s major challenge of eradicating global poverty within the means of the planet’s limited natural resources.

Anyplace Modular Construction at the Nexus of Circular Economy and Construction 4.0

The way we design, build, and live in our built environment is undergoing a profound transformation. Two powerful forces are driving this change: the urgent imperative for a circular economy and the technological advancements of the Construction 4.0 agenda . At Adaptable Structures, our Anyplace Modular Construction system is not just adapting to this shift – it's actively leading the charge, embodying a future where buildings are adaptable, resource-efficient, and designed for a continuous lifecycle.

Anyplace: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Building

Anyplace is more than just a construction method; it's a philosophy rooted in minimizing waste, maximizing resource utilization, and embracing the power of intelligent design and modern technologies.

Video Credits: McGill Universities Trace Lab

Circular Economy by Design: Our core principle is to move away from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model. Anyplace achieves this through:

• Design for Disassembly (DfD): Modules are connected with bolts, enabling easy and non-destructive disassembly for relocation, reconfiguration, or material recovery.
• High Recycled Content: Utilizing up to 90% recycled remelt aluminum significantly reduces our reliance on virgin resources.
• Design for Industrialization (DfIND): This methodology optimizes production, minimizes waste, and creates a standardized kit of parts for efficient assembly and future recovery. Extended Building Lifespan: Modularity allows buildings to adapt to changing needs, prolonging their use and reducing the need for demolition.
• High Material Recovery Potential: We aim for over 98% of the system to be recyclable, reusable, or have resale value at its end-of-life.
• Low-Carbon Material Choice: Our focus on aluminum aligns with the growing need for low-carbon building materials.

Embracing Construction 4.0: Anyplace is designed to leverage the advancements of the Construction 4.0 agenda:

• Digital Integration (BIM & Material Passports): The modular nature and component details can be integrated into BIM, creating detailed "material passports" for efficient lifecycle management.
• Smart Material Management: Marking and tracking technologies can optimize material use and recovery.
• Industrialized Production: DfIND allows for the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques, mirroring Industry 4.0 principles for efficiency and quality.
• Adaptability through Digital Twins: Future digital twin technology can simulate reconfiguration and optimize building performance over its lifespan.
• Data-Driven Sustainability: Lifecycle assessments, powered by data, will continuously drive improvements in our environmental footprint.
• Integration of Smart Technologies: The "bolt-on" capability for NetZero technologies aligns with smart building systems for optimal energy efficiency.

Video Credits: McGill Universities Trace Lab

Aligning with Global Sustainability Agendas

The ethos behind Anyplace Modular Construction directly aligns with the growing focus on zero waste, circular economy, Construction 4.0, Industry 4.0, and Modern Methods of Construction championed by key entities worldwide:

New Zealand:

Zero Waste & Circular Economy:

• Ministry for the Environment (Manatū Mō Te Taiao): https://environment.govt.nz
• Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/
• Auckland Council: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/
• ZeroWaste Network: https://zerowaste.co.nz/

Construction 4.0 & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC):

• MBIE (Construction Sector Transformation Plan): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-construction/building-system-reform/construction-sector-transformation-plan/
• Kāinga Ora: https://kaingaora.govt.nz/
• HERA (Heavy Engineering Research Association): https://www.hera.org.nz/
• BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand): https://www.branz.co.nz/

Industry 4.0:

• MBIE (Digital Transformation): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-growth/industry-strategies/industry-4-0/

Australia:

Zero Waste & Circular Economy:

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Federal): https://www.dcceew.gov.au/
• NSW EPA (Choose Circular): https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/government/government-resource-recovery-procurement-policy/choose-circular
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation (Australia): https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/australia
• Charitable Reuse Australia: https://charitablereuse.org.au/

Construction 4.0 & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC):

• Australian Government (Manufacturing and Construction Initiatives): [Search "Australian Government manufacturing initiatives" and "Australian Government construction innovation"]
• PrefabAUS: https://www.prefabaus.org.au/

Industry 4.0:

• Australian Government (Industry Innovation and Science Australia): https://www.industry.gov.au/
• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): https://www.csiro.au/
• Australian Industry Group (Ai Group): https://www.aigroup.com.au/

United States:

Zero Waste & Circular Economy:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Circular Economy Program): https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation (US): https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/united-states
• Closed Loop Partners: https://www.closedlooppartners.com/

Construction 4.0 & Modern Methods of Construction (MMC):

• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Innovative Housing Showcase): [Search "HUD Innovative Housing Showcase"]
• Department of Energy (Building Technologies Office): https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/building-technologies-office
• Modular Building Institute (MBI): https://www.modular.org/
• National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS): https://www.nibs.org/

Industry 4.0:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (Manufacturing Extension Partnership - MEP): https://www.nist.gov/mep
• Department of Commerce: https://www.commerce.gov/
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): https://www.nam.org
• Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI): https://advmfg.org/

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable and Intelligent Future

Anyplace Modular Construction is strategically positioned at the forefront of a transformative era in the built environment. By deeply integrating the principles of the circular economy, with a strong emphasis on Design for Disassembly, and by embracing the efficiencies and data-driven insights of the Construction 4.0 agenda, we are creating buildings that are not only adaptable and high-performing but also inherently sustainable. As we move forward, collaboration and support from the entities driving these global agendas will be crucial in scaling innovative solutions like Anyplace and building a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for all.