GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION
The Future is Circular for UK and Irish Galvanizing
Galvanizers Association ( GA ), the industry body for the UK and Ireland ’ s galvanizing industry , has collaborated with European counterparts to produce a guide for the use of galvanized steel within sustainable construction .
Galvanized Steel and Sustainable Construction : Solutions for a Circular Economy sets out a vision for galvanized steel based upon circular thinking . It makes the case for galvanized steel as a flexible , robust construction material , ideally suited to circular design and reuse .
In addition to providing technical information for construction professionals , the publication showcases latest projects from across Europe and the UK , to use galvanized steel according to key principles of a circular economy , highlighting approaches such as durability , repurposing and the benefits of multiple life cycles . It makes clear how designing with circular principles in mind greatly reduces waste , maintenance and carbon burdens , whilst optimising the use of raw materials and existing products .
Iqbal Johal , Marketing Manager , GA says : “ We are pleased to offer this guide to construction professionals as they undertake the critical work of helping the UK and Ireland transition to a more sustainable economy . Circular economics are widely understood to be central to this process and galvanized steel aligns well within that framework .”
Iqbal continues : “ Hot dip galvanizing a valuable construction material like steel is the surest way to keep components in use for multiple life cycles . It also helps reduce maintenance and to protect components and structures for reuse and repurposing . The new guide draws on the best of adaptable , resilient building design today and presents an inspiring vision of what is possible going forward .”
Showcase projects from the guide include Les Glòries , Barcelona . Originally used as a public information point during the regeneration of an eastern section of the city , the structure has been designed specifically for relocation and repurposing . After secondary use as a rental point for electrical bicycles , it is now being demounted and reassembled by the architects as a youth centre in another part of the city . All this was delivered within a budget of just € 170,000 .
Garsington Opera Pavilion in Wormsley , Buckinghamshire by Robin Snell and Partners offers superb acoustics and a perfect setting in which to experience high quality opera . The 600-seat summer pavilion was designed to be demounted annually and is constructed using pre-fabricated techniques to minimise material waste , ensure a consistent level of workmanship and reduce construction time spent on site . The internal galvanized steel structure regularly overwinters in place and is exposed to the elements . It requires no maintenance and remains in perfect condition .
The galvanized steel structure of The Green House by architectenbureau cepezed , the Netherlands houses a restaurant with its own urban farm and a conference centre . True to principles of the circular economy , the entire building can be disassembled . Owing to their high degree of precision , steel components are easy to take apart and put together again . A special feature of the steel frame of The Green House is its square grid , with which multiple building configurations are possible with one-andthe-same construction kit .
Further information about the publication and the projects featured within , visit :
www . galvanizing . org . uk / circular-economy /
Alternatively , please contact Iqbal Johal at : i . johal @ hdg . org . uk
10 SEPTEMBER 2021 read online : www . surfaceworld . com