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BEAM PLUS FOR NEW B UILDINGS MATERIALS ASPECTS (MA)
V ERSION 1.2 MA 4 ADAPTABILITY AND DECONSTRUCTION
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 75
occupants due to physical change;
 easy relocation of partition walls that causes minimum damage to
flooring or ceiling systems;
 partition walls are fully salvageable;
 separating long-lived components from short-lived components to
reduce the complexity of deconstruction and churning so as to
facilitate the collection process for recycling; and
 use of interior partitions that are demountable, reusable and
recyclable, etc.
FLEXIBLE ENGINEERING
SERVICES CHECKLIST
 design that allows interior fitting-out to use modular and pre-
fabricated components;
 using hybrid HVAC systems, with a balance between centralised
components and distributed components;
 luminaires are easily relocated within ceiling grid or uplighters are
used;
 air diffusers on flexible ducts can be relocated at minimum cost
with minimum disruption to occupants;
 exhaust air ducts for special exhausts are easy to install, and
space and capacity are available in ceiling and duct shafts;
 sprinkler heads are easily relocated within ceiling grid;
 pre-wired horizontal distribution systems in ceilings or floors, with
spare capacity and easy access to accommodate change of
workplace layouts; and
 reducing the use of embedded infrastructure for power, data and
HVAC systems, etc.
STRUCTURAL
ADAPTABILITY
CHECKLIST
Reference may be made to various publications [e.g. 4 ]. Key points
include:
 foundations allow for potential vertical expansion of the building;
 installation of isolation joints or other features avoid the potential
for differential settlements and for progressive collapse due to
accidental loading;
 reliance on a central core for lateral load resistance that allows for
local modifications to the structure while maintaining complete
structural integrity;
 wide structural grids;
 lower floors allow for heavier live load;
 sufficient height to lower floors to enable a range of uses;
 building envelope is independent of the structure (i.e., functionally
discrete systems, with the interfaces designed for separation);
 versatile envelope capable of accommodating changes to the
interior space plan;
 means of access to the exterior wall system from inside the
building and from outside;
 structural floor system that accommodates a number of
mechanical and electrical service distribution schemes based on
4 Assessing the Adaptability of Buildings. International Energy Agency. Annex 31. Energy-Related Environmental Impact of
Buildings. November 2001.