Anders Lendager, a renowned architect known for his innovative and sustainable designs, is set to address CircularBuild, a prominent event in the architecture and construction industry. Lendager's involvement in the event is seen as a significant contribution to the circular economy movement, as he has been at the forefront of this practice for over 15 years. His participation is particularly notable, as it marks his first UK public speaking event, making it 'too good to miss' according to Duncan Baker-Brown, a fellow architect and expert in waste materials.
Lendager's work showcases a commitment to sustainability and the efficient use of resources. His projects, such as the Resource Rows housing development and the 78m-high TRÆ tower in Aarhus, Denmark, demonstrate a unique approach to architecture. The latter, completed in May 2025, is Denmark's tallest timber building, combining mass timber construction with reclaimed materials, further emphasizing Lendager's dedication to the circular economy.
CircularBuild 2026, the event's new name, explores the cutting edge of architecture and construction in the era of climate crisis. It replaces the AJ's annual Retrofit Live event and will feature a closing keynote by Reinier de Graaf of OMA, who advocates for a shift from new build to adapting existing buildings. The event will also include a diverse range of speakers and organizations, such as Landsec, Great Portland Estates, and advocacy group Don't Waste Buildings, all focusing on regenerative and reclaimed materials, design for disassembly, and adaptive reuse.
One of the key highlights of CircularBuild is the discussion on the practical reality of specifying circular materials. This session will delve into the decision-making process, the role of planning, and the challenges of designing with available materials rather than ordered ones. Additionally, the event will feature interactive workshops, providing attendees with hands-on experiences and insights into the implementation of circular construction practices.
The event's focus on material reuse and circular economy practices is particularly relevant in the context of major construction projects. For instance, the 30 Duke Street project in St James's, designed by Make Architects and involving major contractor Mace, includes the largest reused steel frame for a commercial office in the UK, alongside reused Portland stone, granite, and marble. This project serves as a testament to the potential of material reuse at a large scale and the importance of considering material availability from the outset of the design process.
CircularBuild 2026 will take place on September 16 at 155 Bishopsgate, London, and promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful event for architects, designers, and industry professionals. With Lendager's participation and a diverse lineup of speakers, the event is expected to offer valuable insights into the future of sustainable architecture and construction, emphasizing the importance of circular economy practices in the industry.
