A platform that rethinks the built environment.
ZIRKULAR-X connects Artificial Intelligence, semantic data models and the circular economy — to transform analogue existing buildings into data-driven material resources.
Why ZIRKULAR-X?
The building sector represents a huge untapped resource — yet 90% of the relevant data is in analogue form, fragmented or simply unavailable. This means that circular construction is the exception rather than the rule.
ZIRKULAR-X automatically digitises and structures this information. This makes materials, components, and their CO₂ potential finally plannable – for architects, engineers, and project developers who truly take resources seriously.
Three technologies. One continuous platform.
ZIRKULAR-X integrates three key technologies for the first time into a holistic solution for the construction industry's circular economy.
Standardise material data
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) will be created for each component in the existing building – with material composition, pollutant profile, disassembility score, and life cycle data. Standardised, interoperable, EU-compliant according to ESPR and CPR.
Automatically read analogue sources
Computer Vision models (CNNs, ResNet, EfficientNet) analyse construction plans and photographs. NLP algorithms (BERT derivatives) process technical documents and tender texts. Objective: F1 score > 0.85 for component classification.
Intelligently linking data silos
A graph database system (Neo4j) links BIM models, facility management data, and secondary marketplaces via ontologies – so that relationships aren't just stored, but understood.
The heart of the matter
the platform
The circularity index aggregates ecological, economic and normative criteria into a quantifiable score. It automatically assesses which materials can be reused, upgraded or recycled – and issues optimised recovery recommendations.
Project progress
Measurable impact for the economy and climate.
ZIRKULAR-X creates concrete, quantifiable advantages – for users, the construction industry, and resource policy.
For builders & operators
Clear data basis for decommissioning and remediation decisions. Compliance with EU requirements. Direct integration into existing BIM and FM systems.
For recycling companies and traders
Access to structured material information, connection to secondary marketplaces.
For IT Integrators & Start-ups
SDK packages and open REST APIs allow the integration of advanced rating logic into your own products — without the need for your own research.
For the public sector
Valid CO₂ balance sheets and savings evidence for funders. Support with the BIM Masterplan and the national circular economy strategy.
Funded by the BMTFR
ZIRKULAR-X is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Technology, Research and Space (BMTFR) as part of the GreenTech Innovation Competition — Digital Technologies as Levers for the Circular Economy.
Project duration: 2026–2029
Circular economy begins with knowledge.
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