The façade elements are made of a solid wood exterior cladding based on slow-grown thermo-treated pine (heat treatment to improve timber stability). In the elements, both the OSB board on the inner surface and the outside wind barrier provide airtight layers within the building envelope.
New energy efficient windows are integrated in the façade.
Envelope technology
Prefabricated envelope technology
This solution has been applied to the Haugerudtunetbuilding 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.
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External finishing
Timber cladding / PV
Ventilated cavity
Yes
Main structure
Timber frame
Insulation
Rock wool
Compensation layer
No
Anchoring element
Other
Joints
Other
Tolerances
n/a cm
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.
Ease of disassembly (system level)
n/a
Ease of reuse
n/a
Ease of recycling (component level)
n/a
Materials origin
n/a
Material use efficiency / Waste produced during production of the technol
n/a
Circularity certification
n/a
General Data
Max panel width
2 m
Max panel height
10 m
Panel Weight
n/a kN/m²
Panel thickness
20 cm
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
U-value
0.13
Acoustic resistance
n/a
Fire resistance
n/a
Fire resistance
n/a
Water/Air tightness
n/a
Certifications and tests
With certification and testing, the renovation project can achieve a higher level of quality, safety, and sustainability.
Simulation campaign
n/a
Tests
n/a
CE mark / type of certificate
n/a
See the prefabricated panel applied in a real building
The retrofit project involves a small multi-family building (2 storeys) and 8 apartments, built in 1975. The envelope, façade and roof, has been entirely retrofitted.The building’s façade has been renovated using prefabricated modules with integrated high-performance technologies. The approach minimized disruption for residents by enabling work to be completed within a very tight timeframe. The renovation was carried out as part of the European project H2020 4RinEU.
January 16, 2026
Haugerudtunet Oslo
Norway
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The prefabricated panels used are timber-frame façade elements designed for a quick and efficient installation. Each panel is custom-sized to fit the building’s geometry. These panels integrate multiple layers, including thermal insulation, smart glazing windows, and ventilation units, enabling a high-performance envelope. The panels are engineered for quick on-site assembly, up to 180 m² per day, and are anchored to the existing structure after partial removal of the outer brick layer.
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