There is something of a misconception about deconstruction.  The myth is that it is always performed by hand and that men have to climb onto roofs or meticulously pick away each 2×4 and sheet of drywall.  That is a traditional method and it is time-consuming, which translates to expensive.  So, the misconception is that deconstruction becomes a waste of time for municipalities with limited resources.  However, not all deconstruction is performed with just the hands.  Hybrid Deconstruction, the practice that Buffalo ReUse is developing, under the consultation of David Bennink, is different.  The method was originated by David Bennink over 14 years ago and it involves “man with machine.”  It means, men and women using tools and forklifts to dismantle structures safely and efficiently.  If you’ve seen a demolition vs. a deconstruction, the difference you’ll notice is that demos crunch up houses and throw everything into a dumpster, then haul the rubble off to local landfills.  However, deconstruction cuts the houses into panels and reclaims the useable lumber and other materials–like sinks, tubs, staircases, flooring, windows and water heaters which still have a purpose for a thrifty property owner.  There is still rubble that heads to a landfill, but after we’ve separated mulchable lumber and concrete for the recyclers and sent the rest of the useable stuff to our store, we’ve made a significant waste diversion!
The hybrid deconstruction method does not pick apart drywall or shingles or tile floors or other materials which cannot be reclaimed quickly (some of those materials cannot currently be recycled in our market).  Instead, hybrid deconstruction chooses the structures and building materials which can yield the most reclaimable, recyclable, reusable materials or most value, quickly.  If we can deconstruct more houses with the hybrid method, it means we can divert more materials from the landfill because we get through more houses that would have been simply demolished and buried.
If you’re attending the Great Lakes Building ReUse Conference, you’ll have the opportunity to work with David Bennink and talk with other BMRA members.  Bennink is offering a full day of training which will help you implement these practices in your hometowns.

You’ll get to meet other people involved in the ReUse and the Deconstruction movement.  Dr. Robert Falk, coauthor of UNBUILDING: Salvaging The Architectural Treasures of Unwanted Houses will be available.  Here is a review of UNBUILDING, “Much of America’s architectural heritage is ending up in landfills. Bob Falk and Brad Guy want to change that. The book is a guide to “unbuilding,” or deconstruction, the process of dismantling buildings that otherwise would be razed. The purpose is to save reusable elements such as building materials, fixtures and architectural details. Falk and Guy say deconstruction preserves the past, reduces costs, benefits the environment and has the potential to create jobs in urban areas, where they’re needed most. Unbuilding covers the many aspects of deconstruction, including site preparation, safety issues, tools, techniques and resale ideas. Interviews with successful salvagers are included, along with resources for those interested in deconstruction. –Akron Beacon Journal”

You can register to attend just one day and you can still get a discounted rate if you pay your registration before October 23rd.