Kestusel

Kestusel is a term used in the field of durable construction and materials science to denote a design and production approach that emphasizes long service life, modularity, and ease of maintenance. It encompasses strategies for designing components to be maintained, repaired, or replaced with minimal disruption, and for selecting materials with extended corrosion resistance and predictable performance.

The concept emerged in the early 21st century within European architectural research as an alternative to conventional construction methods. It builds on ideas from design for disassembly, standardized interfaces, and lifecycle thinking, and it favors modular panel systems, mechanical connectors, and protective coatings that extend a structure’s usable life.

Principles include durability, adaptability, reparability, and lifecycle cost awareness. Components are standardized with clear replacement protocols. Materials are chosen for low maintenance, high durability, and compatibility with future upgrades. Monitoring sensors or embedded health indicators may be used to forecast maintenance needs.

Applications: Kestusel has been applied in residential envelope systems, pedestrian and utility bridges, and urban furniture deployments in areas with challenging maintenance access. It is also used in retrofit projects where existing structures must stay in service for extended periods.

Advantages and limitations: The approach can reduce waste and lifecycle costs and improve safety by reducing maintenance interruptions. Higher initial costs, the need for skilled installation, and potential constraints in the supply of specialized components can limit its adoption.

See also design for disassembly; lifecycle assessment; modular construction.