Quantitative Analysis of Life-Cycle Embodied Carbon in Residential Buildings Under Different Design Patterns

The building sector is a major source of global carbon emissions, with embodied carbon playing an increasingly critical role. This study quantitatively compares the life-cycle embodied carbon of three residential building design patterns (cast-in situ, CIS; design for disassembly, DfD; and skeleton–infill, SI) under a unified scenario of a 90-year service life with functional renovations every 30 years. A total of 36 cases, derived from twelve prototypical residential designs implemented in each pattern, were evaluated via life-cycle assessment following the EN 15978 standard. The results show that the SI pattern reduces embodied carbon by 45–55% compared to CIS, while the DfD pattern achieves a 35–45% reduction (with SI pattern consistently performing best). Structural system selection also influences outcomes, with shear wall structures reducing emissions by 7–14% compared to frame systems. Plan layout effects were marginal. The analysis indicates that the design pattern is the dominant factor influencing embodied carbon outcomes. SI pattern yields the largest carbon reduction by pairing a long-lived structural frame with flexible infill that extends service life and adaptability, while DfD lowers material demand via component reuse. These findings highlight the substantial benefits of circular design strategies and support a shift toward more adaptable, long-lifespan, and low-carbon residential design.