Development of Steel-Timber-Hybrids as a low-carbon, circular solution for the building industry

Rethink Steel is a research project that aims to develop and optimise Steel-Timber-Hybrids as low carbon, circular product for the building industry. Rethink Steel implements a holistic approach in the design and development of the project, it utilises Multi Object Optimisation and Evaluation (MOO/MOE) techniques to ensure the development of a product that meets the high-performance requirement in every aspect. Rethink Steel utilises the properties of two materials with a high potential for decarbonisation and combines the high load bearing ability of the steel with the sustainable and fire resisting timber. The proposed hybrid intends to meet the requirements of the European Green Deal and the circular economy action plan as it aims to develop the connections between the materials to enable disassembly at the product (Building) End-Of-Life to allow the reuse of the systems components without downcycling. Rethink Steel is initiated with a set of ideas, designs and solutions using Steel-Timber-Hybrids from different disciplines point of view like architecture, engineering, fire design and sustainability. Ideas and solutions are to be developed in an integrated design, tested/ evaluated based on a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The final product of Rethink Steel is a flexible-use, adaptable building that can be fast constructed and has a low to no carbon footprint.