Techno-Economic Analysis of Scenarios for the Future of HSB Living Lab: Repurposing vs. Relocation

Abstract

This thesis evaluates future scenarios for the HSB Living Lab through a techno-economic assessment comparing repurposing and relocation scenarios. The study aims to identify the most feasible future use of the modular building after its current operational period while contributing to circular construction practices. A mixed-methods case study approach was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, building documentation analysis, supplier price data collection, and cost estimation. Two scenarios were analyzed: repurposing the building into educational facilities and relocating the building to another site with the same function as residential building. The evaluation integrated Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) of multi criteria decision making method (MCDM). The findings indicate that repurposing provides the most preferable overall techno-economic criteria and better result on TOPSIS, due to lower implementation complexity, reduced uncertainty, lower risks and lower Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) compared to relocation scenario. The results also shows that while relocation technically feasible because of the building was a modular building that able to disassemble and reassemble, the scenario have higher risks due to the logistical work, mechanical and electrical system adaptation, reconstruction uncertainty and transportation risks that makes relocation produce more CAPEX. On the other hand, Operational Expenditures (OPEX) shows different result. Repurposing generates more OPEX since the educational function needs a high frequency maintenance, while relocation keep the original function as residential building that needs lower maintenance and able to generate direct income from the rent. This thesis contributes to the discussion on circular construction by developing a techno-economic and decision-making methodology for evaluating future scenarios of modular buildings and also supports stakeholder’s understanding in the technical consideration and economical implication of the future scenario of HSB Living Lab building.