The project embraces the “cascading” principle, which emphasises reusing materials with minimal reprocessing to preserve their value and reduce energy consumption.
Gwynedd Council’s (Cyngor Gwynedd) transformative Bontnewydd School project, part of the Minister’s Sustainable Schools Challenge. As part of this challenge, the Minister invited bids for innovative projects that demonstrated collaboration with local communities—including school pupils—in the design, delivery, and management of the schools. Initially, two winners were to be selected, but due to the high calibre of the submissions, the Minister approved funding for three new sustainable schools, with a total capital investment of £44.7 million across all three projects.
Bontnewydd School is one of the projects selected through this highly competitive process, and it has received nearly £12 million in investment from the Welsh Government to build an environmentally friendly school, including modern community facilities. (For more details, see Ysgol Bontnewydd).
Salvaging materials for a greener future
Woodknowledge Wales (WkW) and the Bontnewydd team are working exhaustively on exploring viable possibilities for the reuse and integration of reclaimed materials within the new design. The WkW Team has been particularly instrumental in evaluating the quality of timber components, to assess their potential for reuse in the new school. At the heart of this project is the commitment to integrating salvaged and recycled building materials into the design. Rather than demolishing neighbouring buildings, materials are being carefully decommissioned and deconstructed, with an emphasis on reclaiming as many reusable materials as possible for the new construction.
Woodknowledge Wales’ role in the project is to explore how valuable timber components can be salvaged and reused in the new Bontnewydd school.
“This project represents a fantastic opportunity to improve the construction sector in Wales, aiming to get closer to a genuine sustainable sector, by attaching value to our existing resources and maximising their use and service life. For the Bontnewydd project, valuable materials such as Victorian bricks, Welsh slate tiles, and structural timber, which would typically be thrown away, are being carefully salvaged and repurposed. This approach helps to significantly cut down on landfill waste and reduce the overall environmental impact of the construction,“ said Dr Diana Waldron, WkW’s lead on this project.
Cascading reuse: Maximising material value
In support of this initiative, Woodknowledge Wales brought together timber grading experts to assess the reclaimed timber elements. This process aims to gather evidence that can inform the process moving forward. Additionally, we facilitated discussions with specialists in timber-based building systems, including suspended timber floors. One of our key sessions focused on exploring viable ways to repurpose the reclaimed timber, in line with the concept of “cascading.” This approach encourages minimal reprocessing, with the aim of reusing materials in their current form where possible and reserving more complex repurposing for later stages.
In terms of structural timber, the ideal solution is to incorporate it directly into the timber frame design. However, we have also explored the possibility of using the reclaimed timber to produce Glulam (glue-laminated timber) within the UK. To assess the feasibility of this option, we invited experts in Glulam manufacturing to join the discussions. For timber that is unsuitable for structural use, we are also considering alternative design applications.
The challenges involved in these efforts should not be underestimated. The UK’s current construction infrastructure does not fully support the integration of salvaged materials, and most materials from demolition sites still end up in landfills. The complexity of carefully deconstructing materials without damaging them, coupled with challenges related to transport and storage, creates significant obstacles for clients and contractors. This often results in high costs for projects attempting to reuse materials. Additionally, timber, being more vulnerable to damage and moisture than other materials, requires extra care during extraction, transport, and storage, adding further complexities to the process.
Tackling embodied carbon: Reusing foundations
WkW’s sustainability efforts extend beyond timber. The organisation also works to reduce embodied carbon—the emissions associated with producing and transporting building materials. To support the Bontnewydd project, WkW facilitated discussions with structural engineers about reusing existing concrete foundations. Since concrete production is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, repurposing these foundations could yield substantial environmental benefits.
Overcoming challenges in sustainable construction
Despite its promise, integrating salvaged materials into construction projects presents significant challenges. The UK construction industry lacks the infrastructure to fully support material reuse, and careful deconstruction—essential for recovering materials—is both time-consuming and costly. Transporting and storing reclaimed materials adds further complexity.
Timber, in particular, poses unique challenges due to its susceptibility to damage and moisture. Furthermore, the presence of nails and any type of metal parts within reclaimed timber represent a real threat to current reprocessing methods. This particular area requires significantly more research and investment, in order to find suitable solutions that can support the reuse of timber in construction. These practical and logistical issues, combined with budget constraints, often deter clients and contractors from pursuing the reuse of salvaged materials.
A model for sustainable construction in Wales
The Bontnewydd School project is currently undergoing the process of boldly tackling these challenges, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable construction practices in Wales. By tackling these challenges, the project aims to set a precedent for future developments, inspiring the Welsh construction sector to embrace circular economy principles and adopt greener practices.
Broader Impact of the Bontnewydd School Project
The project’s benefits will go beyond environmental gains. By showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable construction, Bontnewydd School will serve as a valuable case study for policymakers, architects, and builders. The aim is to showcase that reclaimed materials can effectively reduce waste and embodied carbon, offering a practical and cost-effective path toward sustainability.
The project also fosters community engagement by involving local stakeholders in the design and construction process. This collaborative approach strengthens community ties and builds a sense of ownership. The integration of modern community facilities into the school’s design further amplifies its positive impact, ensuring benefits for the wider community.
A vision for the future
Woodknowledge Wales’ is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in the built environment. Pushing the boundaries of what is achievable with salvaged materials helps shape a more sustainable construction industry in Wales and beyond.
The lessons learned from the Bontnewydd School project project provide a valuable roadmap for future initiatives. As the construction sector grapples with the challenges of climate change, projects like Bontnewydd School highlight the potential of circular economy principles to reduce waste and prioritise reuse. These efforts are vital steps toward a greener, more sustainable future.
The Bontnewydd School project is more than a building—it’s a symbol of innovation and sustainability. This initiative is proving that salvaged materials can play a central role in modern construction, setting an inspiring example for others and paving the way for a greener future in Wales.
