Profile

Rafael Passarelli

Current positions held

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Arts, UHasselt
Member of SuRE – Sustainability Research and Education domain at ArcK, Faculty of Architecture and Arts, UHasselt
Coordinator of Circular Wood Research track at the Building Beyond Borders Postgraduate Certificate, UHasselt


About

Professor Rafael Novais Passarelli is an expert in sustainable construction, particularly in the innovative use of timber and wood-based materials in architectural design. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts at Hasselt University, his research emphasizes the integration of circular economy principles into the built environment. A significant part of his work revolves around the development and application of cross-laminated timber (CLT) components.

Passarelli’s research is centered on exploring the end-of-life scenarios for CLT components, aiming to ensure that these materials can be effectively reclaimed and repurposed, thus contributing to sustainable building practices. His projects often involve applied research to develop timber-based solutions that can be easily integrated into modern architectural practices while minimizing environmental impact. In addition to his research, Passarelli mentors doctoral students working on related topics, such as the use of unfired earth blocks and other sustainable materials, further expanding the body of knowledge on circular building practices.

As part of the ARC Advance Timber Hub consortium he will collaborate with Project 3.1 (Re-design of Australian timber buildings for disassembly and reuse), which aims to increase the reuse and repurpose potential of timber products in the future circular economy, including scenarios for the reuse of existing timber components, and design for disassembly and reuse (DfDR) guidance for timber products. More specifically, the collaboration will integrate WP 5. Comparative LCA of DfDR and business as usual case studies.


More Information

https://www.uhasselt.be/en/onderzoeksgroepen-en/arck/sustainability

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-passarelli-a70626190/

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