Parameter study of a prefabricated retrofit façade system

S. Ott, S. Winter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In the field of energy efficient retrofit of buildings the improvement of the building envelope is central to gain a low energy demand and user comfort in modernized buildings. The reduction of the heat transmission through the hull of the reused building fabric binds a reasonable amount of new resources for a long time. A life cycle model for façade retrofit implementation is missing. The aim is the optimization of life cycle design parameters of a newly developed façade retrofit system which fulfills fundamental sustainability issues throughout its life cycle e.g. efficient use of resources, good performance in terms of building physics during operation, less maintenance, and handling when becoming waste. The introduced system describes a retrofit method based preferably on timber and other renewable resources. A pre-evaluation of a recently completed case study project has featured relatively high results for resource consumption of certain retrofit scenario. The resulting target has to be the reduction of value at risk of the entire system due to resource inefficiency, complexity and even end of life. These issues may restrict the market access of a firm solution although it shows positive results to the aspect of environmental impact. The challenge is to balance and improve the performance of the interdependent sub-systems parameters. In timber construction it is necessary to compose material layers in order to ensure the technical properties of the final prefabricated element in combination with the existing exterior wall. In the same line it allows to leverage the properties of the appropriate panels, components etc., and to optimize the used components. The most important parameters of the system behavior are identified for life cycle relevant component characteristics e.g. material use, maintenance, repair, dismantling, separation, recycling. They raise the awareness of flaws, allow a management of risks, and finally demand new technologies for the improvement of the elements' resource efficiency.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLife-Cycle and Sustainability of Civil Infrastructure Systems - Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering, IALCCE 2012
Pages1694-1701
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2012
Event3rd International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering, IALCCE 2012 - Vienna, Austria
Duration: 3 Oct 20126 Oct 2012

Publication series

NameLife-Cycle and Sustainability of Civil Infrastructure Systems - Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering, IALCCE 2012

Conference

Conference3rd International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering, IALCCE 2012
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period3/10/126/10/12

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