Recycled Bricks in Circular Construction: A Comparative Analysis of Material use and Env Performance in Shuijingfang Museum and the West Village Basis Yard

Abstract

Aims: With the rapid acceleration of urbanization, the construction industry has generated a sharp increase in construction waste, while traditional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration have failed to meet the requirements of sustainable development. This study aims to explore the application, challenges, and environmental significance of recycled bricks within circular construction systems, providing both theoretical and practical insights into the resource-efficient reuse of construction waste. Study Design:  A comparative case study design integrating architectural, environmental, and cultural analysis was employed to examine how recycled bricks function within different architectural contexts and sustainability frameworks. Place and Duration of Study: The study focuses on two representative projects—the Shuijingfang Museum in Chengdu and West Village·Basis Yard in Shanghai—conducted between June 2022 and December 2024. Methodology: Online investigations, documentary analysis, and comparative case studies were employed to examine the application and performance of recycled bricks in architectural practice. The study further applied the theoretical framework of circular construction to analyze their ecological, aesthetic, and socio-cultural implications, while identifying key challenges related to material performance, cost efficiency, and policy support. Results: The study finds that recycled bricks enhance aesthetic, functional, and environmental performance in both cases. The Shuijingfang Site Museum uses standardized recycled bricks from demolition waste, achieving efficient material substitution at a smaller scale. West Village·Basis Yard applies diverse recycled masonry units extensively across the complex, producing greater overall carbon-reduction effects. Aligned with established LCA ranges for recycled masonry, both projects demonstrate notable environmental gains while representing two distinct circular-construction pathways—cultural expression and large-scale community application. Together, they underline the environmental and cultural value of recycled materials in contemporary architecture. Conclusion: As a sustainable building material, recycled brick embodies the convergence of environmental responsibility, cultural continuity, and architectural innovation. This study concludes that integrating recycled materials within circular construction frameworks can significantly reduce ecological impact, promote material reuse, and enrich architectural expression. Future advancement requires coordinated policy support, technological innovation, and public engagement to accelerate the industrialization and normalization of green circular materials in the construction sector.