Two major municipal construction projects in Holbæk Municipality are testing new ground when it comes to reusing building materials. A new kindergarten in Svinninge and a new dental clinic in Holbæk are being built using bricks and other materials recovered from older buildings — some dating back to the 1950s.
The pilot projects are now moving into the construction phase. In both cases, bricks have been salvaged through selective demolition — a careful dismantling process that allows valuable materials to be reused. The kindergarten will reuse bricks from the old Svinninge School, while the dental clinic will incorporate bricks from a building in Vipperød.
The purpose is to test how reused materials can be incorporated into modern buildings, ensuring quality, safety and sustainability. Both buildings are being constructed to meet the DGNB Gold standard.
A Complex Process with Many Obstacles
While the idea is simple, the execution is complex. Legal requirements, warranties, and safety standards often do not account for reused materials. At the same time, uncertainty during planning and lack of documentation or testing methods can make the process more expensive and time-consuming.
Among the biggest challenges are:
- Unclear or changing legislation
- Lack of standard procedures for documenting and testing reused materials
- Uncertainty about legal responsibility and warranties
- Limited experience in the industry
- Materials not being available in standard sizes or in time for planning
In response, Holbæk is working to develop tools and methods to support better reuse. This includes building a materials database, creating uniform testing methods, and collaborating with partners to share knowledge and define best practices.
A Learning Process
The kindergarten/school in Svinninge is expected to open in November 2025. The new dental clinic in Holbæk is planned for completion in November 2026. As the projects progress, Holbæk will continue to document the process, share insights, and contribute to more circular construction practices.