Give Old Materials New Life: Join the Deconstruction & Reuse Workshop on Nantucket

If you’ve ever walked past an old island home and wondered what becomes of all that beautiful wood, hardware, and craftsmanship during renovation—or even demolition—you’re not alone. This September, you have the chance to learn how those materials can be saved, repurposed, and given a whole new story.

The Deconstruction, Adaptive Reuse, and Circular Economy Workshop is coming to Nantucket, hosted in collaboration with Remain Nantucket, Boston Building Resources, and NCS. Over the course of four hours, you’ll explore sustainable building strategies that help preserve resources, cut down on waste, and honor the island’s tradition of making the most out of what we have.

Why It Matters for Nantucket

From cedar shingles to reclaimed beams, Nantucket’s architectural heritage is too valuable to send to the landfill. Deconstruction offers a thoughtful alternative to demolition—carefully dismantling structures so materials can be reused. Whether you’re a builder, homeowner, preservationist, or simply someone who loves the island’s character, this workshop will show you how to integrate sustainability into every stage of a project.

What You’ll Learn

• Circular Economy 101 – Understand how reusing materials benefits the environment and the local economy.

• Deconstruction vs. Demolition – Learn techniques to identify valuable materials and keep them out of the waste stream.

• Real-Life Examples – See inspiring adaptive reuse projects from around the world and right here on Nantucket.

• Practical Skills – From evaluating a structure for salvage to managing reclaimed inventory, you’ll gain tools you can use on your own projects.

• Making the Case – Discover how to convince clients and project owners that deconstruction is worth the investment.

Workshop Details

Instructor: Kord Jablonski, Executive Director of Boston Building Resources
Dates:

• Friday, September 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Location: 56 Centre Street, Nantucket, MA
  Price: $200 (Lunch included)
  Scholarships: Partial and full scholarships available.

Special Note for Builders: The workshop is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards for two Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits for Construction Supervisor Licenses.

Why You’ll Love It

This isn’t just theory—you’ll walk away with practical strategies, local resources, and real inspiration to rethink the way you build, renovate, and restore. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with other Nantucket residents and professionals who care about keeping the island beautiful and sustainable for generations to come.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Link.