Multifunctional Timber Prefabricated Façade

Prefabricated envelope technology

This solution has been applied to the Haugerudtunet building in Oslo, only on 1st-2nd floors due to regulations. A total of 26 façade elements were produced off-site.

Nothing was done to the existing construction regarding airtightness, as the new façade elements include the airtight layer. Joints of elements, and at ground level against fundaments and existing construction was also in focus.

All joints between boards in each element were taped. Joints between elements had a strip of wind barrier membrane for completion on site. The requirement for airtightness is imposed on the building as a whole and not each apartment.

The initial plan was to use anchored prefabricated elements. When opening the construction, the assumed timber construction was only applied in the upper part of the construction, while ground floor construction was made by Siporex. This expanded concrete has low load-bearing capacity.

Circularity

Embracing circularity in building renovation can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly outcomes. This means prioritizing the reuse and recycling of building materials, for example by implementing design strategies to facilitate the disassembly and reuse.

General Data

Performance

We measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the building's prefabricated panels in terms of U-value, Acoustic resistance, Fire resistance, Seismic, Water/Air tightness.

The added insulation is 198 mm. This more than doubled the original wall thickness of 70–100 mm and the average U-value is expected to be reduced from 0.36 W/m2K before renovation to 0.13 W/m2K after renovation (0,12 for standard wall, 0,14 for Siporex wall).

U-value: 0.13 W/m²K

Certifications and tests

With certification and testing, the renovation project can achieve a higher level of quality, safety, and sustainability.