Bio-Based Materials for the Italian Construction …
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Fig. 2 Structure of the working activities for the development of the preassembled roofing component (left). Substitution of an existing roof with the HABITAT preassembled timber panels (top
right) and a single module of HABITAT panel (bottom right)
Considering the EU target of reduction of energy consumption (−20% by 2020
and −27% by 2030), the retrofit of existing façades is an urgent issue that should be
solved rapidly in order to reduce the energy need from buildings, increase the indoor
comfort and the aesthetics of the facades, that very often requires a deep renovation
(Passer et al. 2016; Meijer et al. 2009).
Prefabricated elements are a valid solution to accelerate the renovation process
at a large scale, since the duration of onsite installation is faster compared to traditional construction solutions and the integration of all components facilitates quality
control during the offsite assembly with a reduced risk of performance failure during the service life (Ramage et al. 2017). Timber-based prefabricated solutions for
envelope retrofitting add incremental benefits at different levels, as demonstrated in
the following examples.
2.2.1 Habitat
The habitat research project aimed at the development of a prefabricated panel for
roof renovation, made of a timber structure with a high content of recycled material.
The modular panels were designed to be produced by underprivileged employees of
social cooperatives (type B, according to the Italian regulations) located in northern
Italy. The component is the final result of a consulting activity for a consortium of
social cooperatives (Consorzio Consolida) funded by Fondazione della Provincia di
Lecco Onlus.
241
Fig. 2 Structure of the working activities for the development of the preassembled roofing component (left). Substitution of an existing roof with the HABITAT preassembled timber panels (top
right) and a single module of HABITAT panel (bottom right)
Considering the EU target of reduction of energy consumption (−20% by 2020
and −27% by 2030), the retrofit of existing façades is an urgent issue that should be
solved rapidly in order to reduce the energy need from buildings, increase the indoor
comfort and the aesthetics of the facades, that very often requires a deep renovation
(Passer et al. 2016; Meijer et al. 2009).
Prefabricated elements are a valid solution to accelerate the renovation process
at a large scale, since the duration of onsite installation is faster compared to traditional construction solutions and the integration of all components facilitates quality
control during the offsite assembly with a reduced risk of performance failure during the service life (Ramage et al. 2017). Timber-based prefabricated solutions for
envelope retrofitting add incremental benefits at different levels, as demonstrated in
the following examples.
2.2.1 Habitat
The habitat research project aimed at the development of a prefabricated panel for
roof renovation, made of a timber structure with a high content of recycled material.
The modular panels were designed to be produced by underprivileged employees of
social cooperatives (type B, according to the Italian regulations) located in northern
Italy. The component is the final result of a consulting activity for a consortium of
social cooperatives (Consorzio Consolida) funded by Fondazione della Provincia di
Lecco Onlus.