Base Wall transforms discarded wall base into a new exterior cladding system.
Construction waste remains a significant global problem. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, building construction and demolition accounted for nearly 26 percent of total non-industrial waste generation in 2009. Although recycling efforts have improved, a more mobile society has resulted in more frequent retrofit projects; hence, more rapid construction waste generation.
The Base Wall project demonstrates a method for reusing one common building product that is frequently disposed: vinyl wall base. Although wall base is typically produced for a long-life in high-traffic areas, it rarely reaches functional obsolescence before it is replaced. In this application, wall base is transformed into a new exterior cladding system that is applied similarly to siding. Given the fact that vinyl is already in widespread use as a siding material, this application requires little imagination. However, unlike the wood-replacement alternative of vinyl in common use, the Base Wall embraces vinyl’s inherent geometric flexibility, and without the fake wood grain texture.
Because the Base Wall repurposes a material that remains difficult to recycle, it reduces the burden on landfills and creates a long-lasting cladding system. The product’s manufactured shape results in a lapped configuration with a natural drip edge, and it may be attached via an exterior grade, low-VOC adhesive—without the use of penetrating fasteners.
A sample of vinyl wall base. Image courtesy of M-D Building Products.
Base Wall detail, showing ability of material to conform to curvilinear geometries.
Base Wall wall section detail.
Base Wall elevation study, demonstrating the capacity to introduce color variety based on the reuse of existing feedstock.
A typical vinyl wall base color palette. Diagram courtesy of Flexco Floors.