Designing out waste: A design-led opportunity for architects

Partner content: Every design decision can minimise waste, reduce costs and advance circularity in the built environment.

In New Zealand, construction and demolition waste makes up at least 30% of landfill, with Auckland alone generating around 650,000 tonnes annually. Including contaminated soil and hazardous materials, up to 70% of landfill waste nationwide is construction related.

Architects are uniquely positioned to lead the transformation to a low-waste, low-emissions built environment. Waste minimisation is a design opportunity with the potential to drive innovation and sustainability.

Waste-conscious design at 26 Aroha Avenue. Image:  Dennis Radermacher

Waste begins at the design stage

Auckland Council Senior Waste Planning Specialist Mark Roberts notes that construction waste often originates in early design decisions. International research suggests up to one-third of construction waste stems from poor design. Choices around site selection, layout and materials shape the type and volume of waste generated. Opportunities to minimise waste exist at every stage, including planning for a building’s end-of-life.

Collaboration and communication

Rethinking waste is both a design and a communications challenge. Waste minimisation begins with a shared understanding between clients, architects and contractors. Developing the project brief collaboratively allows teams to embed sustainability goals from the outset, such as using salvaged materials, designing for longevity and allowing for future flexibility.

Engaging clients early helps avoid last-minute changes, disruptions and promotes smarter resource use. Clear documentation ensures specifications are understood and followed, reducing errors, rework and excess ordering.

Designing for sustainability and efficiency

Architects can reduce waste by:

  • Planning for actual needs
  • Choosing durable, recyclable materials
  • Incorporating prefabricated components

A key strategy is right sizing, that is, designing elements to fit standard dimensions. This reduces offcuts, labour and disposal costs. It relies on accurate design, detailed planning and strong communication between architects, quantity surveyors and contractors.

Digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins enhance precision and coordination, supporting waste-conscious design from the start.

26 Aroha: Timber from the deconstruction was used in the fit out of the kitchens. Image:  Dennis Radermacher

Circular design in action: 26 Aroha Avenue

An example of waste-conscious design is 26 Aroha Avenue, a Jasmax-designed multi-unit development in Auckland. Developed by Blair and Jules MacKinnon, the project replaced a single 1920s bungalow with 13 sustainable rental apartments on a 900m² site.

Supported by Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund, the development committed to producing no more than 75% of the household landfill target, aligning with the region’s Zero Waste by 2040 goal.

“We wanted to show that you can build something beautiful, sustainable, and affordable without compromising on quality or community values,” says Blair MacKinnon.

Materials from the original house were reused in kitchens and bathrooms. The building includes solar hot water, photovoltaics and shared amenities like rooftop gardens and EV charging. Car parking was minimised, with bike and scooter facilities supporting low-emissions transport.
“Designing for low waste wasn’t just a technical challenge; it was a mindset shift,” says Jules MacKinnon.

Jasmax Principal and 26 Aroha project lead James Whetter says this 10 Homestar build-to-rent development demonstrates how circular design principles can create buildings that use fewer resources, cost less to run and foster thriving communities.

“Energy-efficient design and single connections, combined with smart billing technology, has saved residents 53% on utility costs compared to the (PLEASE FINISH THIS SENTENCE and provide a link). Located close to amenities, residents benefit from reduced travel costs and environmental impact while enjoying connection to community, improved health and well-being. 26 Aroha Ave shows what’s possible when we rethink how we design and live,” says Whetter.

Auckland Council’s leadership in deconstruction

Auckland Council is championing the shift from demolition to deconstruction, carefully dismantling buildings to recover materials for reuse. A cost-benefit analysis found deconstruction is financially viable, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.2 to 2.8 when broader societal and environmental benefits are considered.

Recent projects include:

  • Deconstruction of the Norman King Building in Northcote, recovering 93% of materials for reuse and recycling.
  • Repurposing timber into custom furniture for Te Hono – the new Avondale library hub
  • Reuse of basalt pavers and timber boardwalks in Westhaven Marina Upgrade.

These initiatives show waste minimisation is scalable, community-driven, and aligned with Auckland’s regeneration goals.

Professional practice and industry leadership

Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA) is actively promoting waste minimisation through its sustainability programme, encouraging retention of existing structures, designing for disassembly and using digital tools to assess carbon and waste impacts.

By embedding waste minimisation principles into every stage of the design process, architects can shape buildings that are efficient, cost-effective and contribute to a resilient, low-waste, low-emissions future for New Zealand’s built environment.

This content has been created with support from Auckland Council.

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